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From Isaac Job, Uyo
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has appealed to the government to undertake comprehensive health policy reform that would be context-sensitive, inclusive, and aligned with emerging realities in primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare.
It also urged the government to demonstrate the political will needed to ensure effective implementation of such policies.
The President of the NMA, Dr Bala Mohammed Audu, made the call in his remarks at the weekend during a dinner to mark the 2025 National Physicians Week held in Uyo on the theme “Healthcare as a Value Chain: Building Efficiency from Policy to Patient,” with a sub-theme, “Tackling Burnout Among Nigerian Medical Doctors: Coach’s Perspective.”
Audu decried the harsh working conditions to which health workers have long been subjected, adding that health expenditure in Nigeria remains around 4.08 per cent of GDP, far below the global average and the Abuja Declaration target.
He urged governments to be intentional about changing the narrative and improving healthcare delivery by evolving financing models beyond “fragmented reactive spending” and promoting reliable supply chains and diagnostic systems. He therefore pledged the NMA’s readiness to collaborate with governments to achieve this goal.
He said, “Well-crafted and evidence-based policies must translate into action, not stay confined to government documents. We must therefore demand implementation-ready policies that are context-sensitive and aligned with realities at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.”
While calling on his colleagues to remain committed and steadfast in healthcare delivery despite poor working conditions, the NMA president said it was possible to have a Nigeria where drugs would always be available, referrals done seamlessly, every pregnant woman in rural communities could access skilled care early, and doctors were empowered to save lives without struggling against systemic failure—if every link in the healthcare value chain was strengthened.
In his address, the NMA Chairman, Akwa Ibom Chapter, Dr Aniekan Peter, commended his colleagues for their “dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care for their patients despite obvious challenges.” He noted that the workload had taken a toll on doctors, leading to burnout and exhaustion.
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He said, “The NMA AKS wishes to highlight the harsh reality of the work conditions for Nigerian doctors. While a doctor in a developed country may see 20 patients in a day, in Nigeria, it is not uncommon for a doctor to see above 60 patients in a busy clinic. This is a testament to the resilience and dedication of Nigerian doctors who continue to serve despite the challenging circumstances.”
Peter, however, applauded the governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for recognising the efforts of doctors in the state by increasing their wages and allowances, as well as improving infrastructural facilities.
He highlighted some of the achievements of his executive committee within the year, including the payment of over N11 million for the treatment of sick members, settlement of CONMESS and promotion arrears for members at the University of Uyo, disbursement of more endowment funds to members, resolution of entry-level issues for residents at UUTH, and the award of a scholarship to the brilliant but indigent child of a deceased colleague, among others.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the NMA, Akwa Ibom State, Dr Tiemah Akpabio, urged members to see themselves as the missing link between policy-making and efficient patient care.
She further encouraged them to prepare for the revolution in healthcare brought by artificial intelligence, noting that AI would not replace the services of doctors.
Akpabio commended the chapter chairman, Dr Peter, for being at the forefront in championing the welfare of members.
“My Chairman, you have done well. Your advocacy, mobilisation of members, and continuous media engagement to tell the world the plight of doctors have paid off,” she said.
