The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Abia State Branch, has called for improved doctors’ welfare, professional unity, digital healthcare investment and better working conditions to strengthen healthcare delivery.
The call was made yesterday during the association’s 2026 Physicians’ Week, themed: “Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria.”
NMA Abia Chairman, Dr Daniel Ekeleme, urged the state government to improve doctors’ remuneration, ensure timely payment of entitlements, address staff shortages and equip healthcare facilities with essential tools.
He said investment in medical education, infrastructure and the retention of skilled professionals was crucial to the future of medicine, urging doctors to uphold professionalism, compassion and ethical standards.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion Prof. Chuks Kamanu, called for unity among doctors and constructive engagement with the government to address healthcare challenges.
Kamanu disclosed that ABSUTH had produced more than 3,500 doctors across 32 graduating sets, with about 60 currently practising in Abia State.
He, however, expressed concern over the limited number of accredited facilities for compulsory housemanship and the underutilisation of some hospitals.
He urged the NMA to develop practical proposals to help the government maximise existing health facilities, while encouraging Nigerians to participate responsibly in the 2027 general elections and reject vote-selling.
In his keynote address, Prof. Madu Awa raised concerns over burnout among medical professionals, attributing it to excessive workloads, staff shortages, inadequate resources, workplace bullying and emotional pressure.
He advocated reasonable workloads, confidential counselling, supportive leadership, improved staffing and measurable welfare programmes, stressing that doctors’ well-being was essential to patient safety and quality healthcare.
Meanwhile, Prof. Benjamin Anyanwu called for greater investment in digital health systems, including electronic medical records, telemedicine, cloud-based platforms and remote patient monitoring.
He identified unreliable electricity, poor internet connectivity, high costs and cybersecurity threats as barriers to adoption, emphasising patient privacy, data security and responsible use of artificial intelligence.
Contributing, Dr P.E. Ngwu highlighted efforts to introduce advanced robot-assisted surgical services in Nigeria, describing the initiative as an opportunity to expand access to specialised treatment and reduce overseas medical trips.
He encouraged collaboration among medical practitioners to ensure appropriate patient assessment, referrals and continuity of care.
The Physicians’ Week provided a platform for medical professionals to examine challenges facing the profession and explore strategies for building a more accessible, efficient and sustainable healthcare system.
By Chukwuemeka Egejuru, Smart Chidinma Goodness and Opara Chimaobi
