Table of Contents
- Call for Health Policy Reform
- Government's Role in Implementation
- NMA President's Remarks
- NMA Chairman's Address
- NMA Vice Chairman's Speech
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has advocated for a comprehensive health policy reform that is context-sensitive, inclusive, and aligned with the realities at the primary, secondary, and tertiary care levels.
It also urged the government to exhibit the political will necessary for the effective implementation of such policies.
The President of the NMA, Dr. Bala Mohammed Audu, made this appeal during remarks at a dinner celebrating the 2025 National Physicians Week, which took place in Uyo on Friday. The event was themed “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 expressed concern over the harsh working conditions faced by health workers and noted that health expenditure in Nigeria is approximately 4.08 percent of GDP, significantly lower than the global average and the target set by the Abuja Declaration.
He urged the government to intentionally change the narrative and enhance healthcare delivery by developing financing models that move beyond “fragmented reactive spending” and by promoting reliable supply chains and diagnostic systems. He pledged the NMA’s readiness to collaborate with the government to achieve these objectives.
He stated, “Well-crafted and evidence-based policies must translate into action, not remain confined to government documents. We must therefore demand implementation-ready policies that are context-sensitive and aligned with the realities at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.”
While encouraging his colleagues to stay committed and resilient in healthcare delivery despite poor working conditions, the NMA president expressed optimism for a future Nigeria where medications are consistently available, referrals are seamless, every pregnant woman in rural areas can access skilled care early, and doctors are empowered to save lives without contending with systemic failures—if every link in the healthcare value chain is strengthened.
In his address, the NMA Chairman for the Akwa Ibom Chapter, Dr. Aniekan Peter, praised his colleagues for their “dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care for their patients, despite evident challenges.” He acknowledged that the workload has taken a toll on doctors, resulting in burnout and exhaustion.
He remarked, “The NMA AKS wishes to highlight the harsh reality of the working conditions for Nigerian doctors. While a doctor in a developed country may see 20 patients in a day, in Nigeria, it is common for a doctor to see over 60 patients in a busy clinic. This exemplifies the resilience and dedication of Nigerian doctors who continue to serve despite the challenging circumstances.”
Peter, however, commended Governor Pastor Umo Eno for recognizing the efforts of doctors in the state by increasing their wages and allowances, as well as enhancing infrastructural facilities.
He highlighted several achievements of his executive committee over the past 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 additional endowment funds to members, resolution of entry-level issues for residents at UUTH, and providing a scholarship for the brilliant but underprivileged child of a deceased colleague, among others.
Also addressing the attendees, the Vice Chairman of the NMA for Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Tiemah Akpabio, urged members to view themselves as the crucial link between policy-making and effective patient care. She further encouraged them to prepare for the healthcare revolution brought about by Artificial Intelligence, emphasizing that AI will not replace their jobs.
Akpabio commended Chapter Chairman Dr. Peter for his leadership in advocating for the welfare of members.
What is the Nigerian Medical Association advocating for?
The Nigerian Medical Association is advocating for a comprehensive health policy reform that is context-sensitive, inclusive, and aligned with the realities at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
What did Dr. Bala Mohammed Audu emphasize in his remarks?
Dr. Bala Mohammed Audu emphasized the need for well-crafted and evidence-based policies that should translate into action and be implemented effectively, rather than remaining as mere documents.
How did the NMA Chairman address the challenges faced by doctors?
The NMA Chairman, Dr. Aniekan Peter, addressed the challenges by highlighting the harsh working conditions and the excessive patient load that leads to burnout and exhaustion among doctors in Nigeria.
