Lagos healthcare experts call for a real-time digital bed system to end the persistent No Bed Syndrome in hospitals across the state.

Healthcare experts in Lagos have called for an urgent overhaul of the referral process, including a real-time digital bed-availability system, to tackle the persistent “no bed syndrome” affecting hospitals across the state.

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The call was made during the 2025 Opening Ceremony and Scientific Conference of the Medical Guild, Lagos State, themed “The No Bed Conundrum and Safe Referral: Exploring an Integrated and Effective Referral System in Lagos.”

Dr Babayemi Osinaike, Head of Emergency Medicine at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and keynote speaker, stressed that technology-driven solutions are critical to preventing needless deaths from delayed referrals.

“My message to policymakers is simple: there are no federal or state patients in Lagos. There are only patients—human beings—seeking help. A patient should be referred from a Lagos State hospital to LUTH and vice versa without bureaucracy,” Osinaike said.

He highlighted overcrowding in tertiary hospitals, noting that many patients visit for conditions manageable via virtual consultations or primary health centres.

Osinaike advocated for a coordinated digital platform where all Lagos hospitals including state, federal, and private can update bed availability in real time.

“People book flights online. You can check different airlines on one platform. The same should apply to hospitals. A doctor should be able to check how many beds are available before referral. That alone will save lives,” he said.

Osinaike also identified ignorance and poor inter-facility connectivity as major obstacles to safe referral.

He urged a stronger primary healthcare system, describing it as Lagos’ version of the GP system.

Public health expert Dr Olufemi Omololu, speaking on “Workplace Situational Awareness: A Panacea to Improve Patient–Doctor Communication,” highlighted poor communication as a silent driver of misdiagnosis, conflict, and litigation.

“Situational awareness helps doctors perceive their environment, understand patient emotions, anticipate crises, and prevent disputes before they escalate,” Omololu said.

He recommended simulation training, mindfulness, better clinic design, and structured communication protocols.

Dr Moruf Abdulsalam, Chairman of the Medical Guild, said the organisation has remained committed to advocating for improved healthcare policies and better welfare for doctors.

He noted that Lagos’ emergency care system faces increasing pressure, making the “no bed” challenge a critical issue for patient outcomes.

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“The goal is to explore practical solutions that ensure no patient is stranded,” Abdulsalam said.