The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called for improved doctors’ welfare, safer working environments and investment in digital health to secure the future of medicine in Nigeria.
The NMA President, Dr Afekhide Omoti, made the call on Monday in Lagos during a news conference heralding the 2026 NMA Physicians’ Week, themed “Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria.”
Represented by Dr Kehinde Sharafadeen, Chairman of NMA Lagos State, Omoti identified burnout, inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, poor remuneration and the migration of medical professionals as major challenges threatening Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He said, “A health system that saves everyone except its doctors is not sustainable,” emphasising the need to prioritise physicians’ physical and mental wellbeing.
The NMA president urged doctors to undergo regular medical checks, adopt healthy lifestyles, obtain adequate rest and seek professional support to prevent burnout, cardiovascular diseases and premature deaths.
He called on governments, hospital administrators and security agencies to protect healthcare workers from threats, intimidation and assault, insisting that hospitals must remain safe environments for healthcare delivery.
On medical migration, Omoti advocated competitive remuneration, improved working conditions and career development opportunities to encourage Nigerian doctors to remain in the country.
“Hospital executives and governments must improve doctors’ working conditions and provide internationally competitive remuneration to retain skilled medical professionals.
“Securing the future of medicine in Nigeria will strengthen healthcare delivery and ensure better health outcomes for all Nigerians,” Omoti added.
He said the association would promote brain-retention and brain-recirculation strategies, including structured collaborations with Nigerian medical professionals in the diaspora, to strengthen local healthcare delivery.
The NMA president also urged investment in digital health, artificial intelligence, telemedicine and modern medical education to improve healthcare access, diagnosis, research and clinical decision-making.
“Technology must serve the doctor and the patient, not replace the humanity at the heart of medicine,” he said, emphasising the importance of ethics, patient confidentiality and equitable access.
Omoti called for medical curricula incorporating artificial intelligence, clinical informatics, research, entrepreneurship and preventive healthcare, alongside stronger support for medical educators and research institutions.
He reaffirmed the NMA’s commitment to doctors’ welfare, professional dignity, ethical practice and health policy advocacy, urging members to remain united in addressing challenges confronting the profession.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that activities for the NMA Physicians’ Week began on Sunday, Oct. 18, with a thanksgiving service at the Chapel of Transfiguration within the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) premises.
The association also organised a school health outreach on Monday at Lyon Junior Secondary School, Itire, Lagos, to promote early health education and preventive care.
Its scientific conference and opening ceremony were scheduled for Tuesday at the Old Great Hall, LUTH.