Healthcare expert Abiodun Ipadeola has urged Nigerians to support public hospitals and to encourage healthcare workers and their families through simple acts of appreciation and community service.

Mrs Ipadeola, a public health researcher and chief executive officer of Datametrics Associates Limited, spoke on Monday in Abuja ahead of the commemoration of the 2026 World Health Day, with the theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.”

She commended midwives and nurses who provide vital care to ensure safe deliveries and high-quality patient care.

According to her, healthcare workers can be motivated through public recognition of their efforts and support for patients receiving care from them.

“Midwives should be encouraged to ensure safe delivery, and nurses should be supported to take proper care of patients. We can all be impactful in our own little ways,” she said.

She said that improving Nigeria’s healthcare system should not be left solely to the government, noting that citizens can contribute by meeting basic needs in hospitals and showing gratitude to health workers.

“We can only help each other to ensure that our infrastructure is doing well.

“Sometimes, it is as simple as saying ‘thank you’ to a health worker, appreciating them for attending to you, offering them water once in a while,” she said.

According to her, such small gestures can boost morale among healthcare providers and improve service delivery, especially in public health facilities facing resource constraints.

Mrs Ipadeola said that her advocacy was inspired by personal reflection.

She said that she recently marked her 40th birthday by returning to the government hospital where she was born.

“The visit was driven by a deep sense of gratitude to the healthcare workers who ensured my safe birth.

“I am who I am today because a midwife took care of my mother and ensured that my birth was stress-free. That made me realise the need to give back.

“During my visit, I supported mothers who delivered at the hospital on my birthday with a cash gift, a gesture that brought relief to all the families that benefited from the donation,” she said.

She said that hospital staff confirmed that some parents were able to settle their delivery bills, with a few moved to tears by the unexpected support.

“I did not know such support could go a long way until we saw their reactions. It showed that even small efforts can make a big difference.”

Mrs Ipadeola said that such interventions may not address systemic challenges in the health sector, but can play a critical role in easing patients’ financial burden, boosting morale among healthcare workers, and promoting a culture of shared responsibility in strengthening public health facilities.

(NAN)