Healthcare experts in Lagos are calling for an urgent overhaul of the referral process, including the implementation of a real-time digital bed-availability system, to address the persistent “no bed syndrome” in hospitals across the state. This appeal was made at the 2025 Opening Ceremony and Scientific Conference of the Medical Guild, Lagos State, where the theme focused on “The No Bed Conundrum and Safe Referral: Exploring an Integrated and Effective Referral System in Lagos.”
According to Dr. Babayemi Osinaike, Head of Emergency Medicine at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, adopting technology-driven solutions is crucial to prevent needless deaths resulting from delayed referrals. Osinaike emphasized the need for a policy that allows for seamless referrals between hospitals, regardless of whether they are state or federal institutions. He noted that patients should be able to access care without bureaucratic hurdles, as “there are no federal or state patients in Lagos, only patients seeking help.”
Osinaike also highlighted the issue of overcrowding in tertiary hospitals, which is often due to patients visiting for conditions that could be managed virtually or at primary health centers. He suggested that a state policy should enable individuals with mild symptoms to consult doctors online or via dedicated phone lines, citing the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic about the effectiveness of virtual consultations.
The expert proposed the development of a coordinated digital platform that allows all hospitals in Lagos to update their bed availability in real-time. This, he believes, would significantly improve the referral process, enabling doctors to check bed availability across different hospitals before making a referral, thereby saving lives.
Dr. Olufemi Omololu, a public health expert, spoke on the importance of situational awareness in improving patient-doctor communication. He identified poor communication as a silent driver of conflict, misdiagnosis, and litigation, and emphasized that situational awareness helps doctors perceive their environment, understand patient emotions, and anticipate crises.
The Chairman of the Medical Guild, Dr. Moruf Abdulsalam, reiterated the Guild’s commitment to advocating for improved healthcare policies and better welfare for doctors. He noted that the choice of this year’s theme was deliberate, given the increasing pressure on Lagos’ emergency care system, and expressed the Guild’s goal of exploring practical solutions to ensure that no patient is left stranded due to the “no bed” challenge.
The experts’ call for an overhaul of the referral system and the implementation of digital solutions aims to address the long-standing issue of bed shortages in Lagos hospitals, ultimately improving patient outcomes and the overall efficiency of the healthcare system.