The Nigerian Medical Association, Ogun State branch, has urged the state government to increase healthcare funding to at least 15 per cent of its budget, improve doctors’ welfare and strengthen public hospitals ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The association also called on governorship candidates and political parties to present clear, measurable and adequately funded healthcare plans for the 2027–2031 period, warning that healthcare must be a priority in the state’s political discourse.
The NMA Chairman in Ogun State, Dr Sunday Enimola, made the demands in Abeokuta on Monday during a press briefing held as part of activities marking the 2026 Physicians’ Week.
Enimola said healthcare should be treated as a strategic investment in the security, productivity and prosperity of the people rather than a peripheral issue in political campaigns.
He said, “The incoming administration should progressively increase investment in healthcare in line with Nigeria’s national health financing commitments, with transparent budgeting, efficient resource utilisation, and measurable outcomes.
“The 13 per cent from 2025 to 2026 can be improved upon. Abuja’s minimum benchmark declaration is 15 per cent. This percentage should be met or surpassed.
“Priority should be given to primary healthcare, essential medicines, medical equipment, healthcare infrastructure, disease prevention, and the recruitment and retention of qualified personnel.
“The government should also strengthen public-private partnerships that expand access to quality healthcare without compromising patient safety, professional standards, or equitable access.
“The incoming government should develop and implement a comprehensive healthcare workforce policy that addresses staffing shortages, remuneration, career progression, professional development, workplace conditions, and staff motivation.
“There should be deliberate efforts to attract and retain doctors and other healthcare professionals in the state, including those serving in rural and underserved communities.”
The association also advocated regular engagement between the government and organised healthcare professionals to address industrial concerns early and prevent avoidable disruptions to healthcare services.
On the safety of medical personnel, Enimola said, “The next administration must take decisive steps to protect healthcare workers from assault, intimidation, harassment, and other forms of workplace violence. Healthcare facilities should have appropriate security arrangements, functional emergency protocols, and clear procedures for reporting and responding to incidents.”
The association called for stronger collaboration among healthcare professionals, security agencies, hospital management and community leaders to ensure that hospitals remained safe environments for patients and healthcare workers.
It also urged the government to strengthen primary healthcare services, including immunisation, maternal and child healthcare, reproductive health services, screening for non-communicable diseases, health education and disease surveillance.
The association further called for stronger financial and administrative support for the Ogun State Health Insurance Agency to expand coverage, particularly among low-income households, informal-sector workers and vulnerable residents.
It also advocated a digital health strategy incorporating electronic medical records, telemedicine, interoperable health information systems and other digital tools to improve patient care and public health management.
According to the association, collaboration among government agencies, medical professionals, technology providers, academic institutions and the private sector would be necessary to ensure that digital health initiatives were accessible, sustainable and relevant to clinical practice.
Enimola reaffirmed the NMA’s readiness to work with the Ogun State Government, regardless of political affiliation, to improve healthcare delivery, protect medical professionals and promote public health.
He urged political parties to move beyond general campaign promises and explain how their proposals would translate into better health outcomes, improved access to services, a stronger medical workforce and more efficient healthcare institutions.