There are strong indications of looming health crisis nationwide as active coronavirus [COVID-19] cases rose past available bed spaces nationwide at the weekend.

WuzupNigeria reports that a least two states – Lagos and Kano – are already battling bed spaces shortages.

On Saturday, COVID-19 cases in the country rose to 12,233, with 8, 065 of them active and 3,826 patients discharged. But the Federal Ministry of Health said – in a The Punch report on Friday – that there were 6,994 bed-spaces nationwide for COVID-19 patients.

However between Friday and Sunday, additional bed-spaces had not been provided despite the rising cases.

The ministry also gave more insights into its proposed home treatment for COVID-19 patients, saying home care would not be adopted for coronavirus patients with underlying conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

According to The Punch, The ministry stated these through its Director of Hospital Services, Dr Adebimpe Adebiyi.

Adebiyi admitted that states such as Lagos with 5,729 cases and Kano, with 997 cases were battling with a shortage of bed-spaces.

She, however, said the Federal Capital Territory and Ogun State had low bed occupancy rates.

Adebiyi, on Friday, said there were 7,522 active cases in the country with 6,994 beds.

She, however, said states were making efforts to increase the number of bed-spaces for COVID-19 patients.

The director stated,

“There are currently 7,522 active cases in the country with 6,994 beds nationwide but states are continuing to make concerted efforts at expansion.

“The shortage of bed-spaces is occurring in only a few states such as Lagos and Kano where efforts are ongoing for expansion of bed-spaces, while some such as the FCT and Ogun State have low bed occupancy rates due to fewer numbers of confirmed or active cases.”

Editors Note: The figure were correct as of Friday, 6 June 2020. Covid-19 cases in Nigeria as of 08 June 2020 are 12,486.