The Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina is facing immense strain as a rising diphtheria outbreak across Katsina State floods its Children’s Ward with a heavy influx of suspected and confirmed cases.
The facility revealed the critical situation in a statement provided to News Point Nigeria on Saturday, explaining that a continuous stream of patient referrals from nearby healthcare centers has pushed the hospital past its bed capacity.
The surge in admissions has caused severe congestion throughout the pediatric section as cases keep arriving.
“The ongoing diphtheria outbreak in Katsina State has placed enormous pressure on the Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina (FTH Katsina), particularly the Children’s Ward.
“The hospital is receiving an overwhelming number of suspected and confirmed cases, as patients are being referred to the facility in large numbers. The situation has resulted in severe overcrowding, stretching available beds beyond capacity,” the statement said.
Despite the intense strain on resources, hospital officials emphasized that staff are working tirelessly to deliver prompt, high-quality medical attention to every child in need.
Management noted that internal adjustments are being made to admit and care for incoming patients, even with zero bed space remaining.
“Despite these challenges, FTH Katsina is doing everything within its capacity to provide timely and quality care to affected children.
The hospital is making necessary arrangements to accommodate and manage the increasing number of patients, even in the absence of sufficient available bed spaces,” it said.
The statement praised medical personnel for their determination and hard work as they manage critically ill patients under increasingly difficult conditions.
“Healthcare workers continue to demonstrate commitment and resilience in ensuring that critically ill children receive the care they need while efforts are being made to respond effectively to the increasing patient load,” the statement added.
This situation reflects the wider burden that the expanding outbreak is placing on the regional medical infrastructure.
FTH Katsina urged health authorities, partner institutions, and community leaders to strengthen joint intervention strategies, noting that unified action is critical to containing the crisis and safeguarding young lives.
“FTH Katsina remains committed to supporting the response to the outbreak,” the management said, adding that “a coordinated effort among all relevant health facilities and stakeholders is essential to effectively manage the situation and protect the lives of affected children.”
The hospital management did not provide specific figures regarding current diphtheria admissions or overall state case counts.
