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The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kogi state chapter, has called for improved welfare, safer working conditions and greater investment in the professional development of medical doctors, insisting that physicians’ welfare is not a privilege but a critical investment in the quality and sustainability of healthcare delivery.
The State chairman of the association, Dr. Mary Onyeche Obari, made the call in Lokoja as part of activities marking the 2026 Physicians’ Week, themed “Securing the future of Medicine in Nigeria” with a sub theme, “Saving the Savers: Promoting Physicians’ Well-being and Preventing Burnout, Cardiovascular Disease and Premature Death.”
Obari said the welfare of medical practitioners must be prioritised to ensure a sustainable healthcare system capable of meeting the needs of the population.
“A system that depends on physicians to save lives must also take responsibility for preserving the lives, health and dignity of its physicians,” she said.
According to her, the annual Physicians’ Week provides an opportunity not only to celebrate the medical profession but also to confront the challenges affecting practitioners and as well advocate reforms that protect both healthcare workers and patients.
She said her responsibility as NMA chairman extended beyond representing doctors to listening to their concerns, defending their legitimate interests and promoting an environment where every physician could practise with dignity.
Highlighting the demanding nature of medical practice, Obari noted that doctors routinely make critical decisions, attend to emergencies, manage complicated medical conditions and support families through difficult moments.
She, however, warned that the pressure associated with the profession should not be allowed to undermine physicians’ physical and mental health, saying “Behind every white coat is a human being. A doctor can be brilliant and still be exhausted, committed and still be overwhelmed, compassionate and still need compassion,”
The NMA chairman stressed that burnout should not be mistaken for dedication, adding that working without adequate rest should not be celebrated as evidence of professional commitment.
She expressed concern over the risks associated with occupational stress, cardiovascular disease and premature death among physicians, noting that the demands of clinical practice could make it difficult for doctors to prioritise preventive healthcare, adequate sleep, exercise and timely medical examinations.
Obari called for practical measures to improve doctors’ welfare, including adequate staffing, reasonable duty schedules, protected rest periods, prompt payment of salaries and entitlements, confidential mental-health support and protection against workplace violence.
Speaking on the future of medical practice, Obari said technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, telemedicine, electronic medical records and digital health systems, were creating opportunities to improve healthcare delivery.
She noted that these innovations could help overcome geographical barriers, strengthen referral systems, support clinical decision-making, improve medical education and extend specialist services to underserved communities.
According to her, Kogi State must take advantage of these developments to improve access to quality healthcare and strengthen the capacity of medical professionals.
“Technology can help bridge geographical barriers, improve referrals, support clinical decisions, strengthen medical education and extend specialist knowledge to underserved communities,” she said.
Obari called on Kogi State, the federal government, hospital administrators and other healthcare stakeholders to strengthen collaboration with the NMA to address the challenges facing medical practitioners.
While acknowledging the complexities of healthcare administration and competing demands on public resources, the NMA chairman maintained that sustainable healthcare delivery required adequate remuneration, functional medical equipment, sufficient personnel, professional development opportunities and safe working environments.
She urged the relevant authorities to sustain engagement with the association on doctors’ welfare, settle legitimate outstanding entitlements promptly, improve human-resource planning and invest in modern healthcare infrastructure.
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