Doctors in Lagos have called on the state government to introduce free drinking-water stations in public places to protect residents from extreme heat and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
The appeal was made on Monday, October 26, 2026, by the Chairman of the Medical Guild, Dr Oluwole Olusanya, during a news conference held as part of activities marking the association’s centenary celebration.
Olusanya said the Lagos State Government should consider installing drinking-water kiosks and other accessible water points in designated locations, particularly where large numbers of people gather.
He explained that such facilities could help vulnerable residents stay hydrated during periods of intense heat, when exposure to high temperatures may lead to serious health complications.
Doctors Raise Concerns Over Heatwave Dangers in Lagos
According to Olusanya, the combination of rising temperatures, humidity, overcrowding and unstable electricity supply makes life increasingly difficult for many Lagos residents during extremely hot weather.
He noted that people who spend long hours outdoors, particularly those engaged in physically demanding activities, face greater exposure to heat-related health problems.
The Medical Guild chairman said providing accessible drinking water was one practical measure the government could adopt to reduce preventable illnesses and deaths associated with excessive heat.
He also encouraged residents to take personal precautions rather than waiting until they experience symptoms of heat exhaustion.
Medical Guild Shares Safety Tips for Residents
Olusanya advised Lagos residents to drink water frequently, wear lightweight clothing and reduce unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight.
He recommended spending time in cool, well-ventilated environments and maintaining a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables.
Adequate rest, he added, remains important for helping the body cope with the physical strain of hot weather.
For households struggling with unreliable electricity, the doctor suggested improving natural airflow by opening windows whenever it is safe and practical.
He stressed that regular hydration and sensible daily routines could help lower the risks associated with extreme temperatures.
Climate Conditions Raise Wider Health Concerns
The concerns come amid growing attention to the effects of climate variability and extreme temperatures on public health.
El Niño, a natural climate pattern involving unusually warm ocean temperatures in parts of the tropical Pacific, can influence weather conditions across different regions.
Its effects may include changes in rainfall, drought conditions and periods of unusual heat, although the consequences vary by location.
The World Health Organization has repeatedly warned that extreme heat can worsen existing health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and respiratory illnesses.
Heat exposure can also contribute to dehydration, heat exhaustion and potentially life-threatening heatstroke, especially among older adults, children and people with underlying medical conditions.
Lagos Must Remain Prepared for Disease Outbreaks
Beyond the threat of extreme heat, Olusanya urged the Lagos State Government to maintain strong emergency preparedness against infectious diseases.
He referred to reports of Ebola-related developments in Abuja, stressing the importance of surveillance and preventive measures.
The Medical Guild chairman expressed confidence in Lagos’ ability to respond to public health emergencies, citing its experience during the 2014 Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, he warned that previous achievements should not become an excuse to reduce investment in disease prevention.
He called for adequate personal protective equipment, reliable medical supplies, functional health facilities and regular training for healthcare professionals.
Olusanya also emphasised the need for early detection systems, effective infection-control practices and coordinated emergency responses to protect both patients and medical personnel.
Doctors Demand Better Welfare and Working Conditions
The Medical Guild chairman also raised concerns about the welfare of doctors working in Lagos, arguing that improved salaries alone would not resolve the challenges facing healthcare professionals.
He called for better working conditions, affordable housing arrangements, mortgage support, vehicle loans and other benefits suited to the realities of medical practice in the state.
Olusanya said the high cost of accommodation, transportation difficulties and daily traffic congestion placed additional pressure on doctors and their families.
He therefore renewed the Guild’s appeal for tax relief and a special salary adjustment reflecting the cost of living in Lagos.
According to him, inadequate compensation and difficult working conditions remain major factors encouraging Nigerian doctors to seek employment overseas.
Medical Guild Backs AI and Digital Healthcare Systems
Olusanya also identified artificial intelligence and digital health technology as areas capable of improving healthcare delivery in Lagos.
He said carefully deployed AI tools could help reduce paperwork, improve administrative efficiency and allow healthcare workers to devote more time to patients.
The Guild chairman proposed a digital system linking hospitals and monitoring available bed spaces across health facilities.
Such a platform, he explained, could help emergency teams identify hospitals with available capacity and reduce delays in transferring patients who need urgent treatment.
He reaffirmed the Medical Guild’s willingness to work with the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders to strengthen public health services and improve the wellbeing of residents.
