NMA Urges Nigerian Government to Adopt and Implement Comprehensive Health Policy Reforms

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) is strongly advocating for a far-reaching reform of Nigeria’s health policy. The association insists that any new framework must be sensitive to local contexts, inclusive, and accurately reflect the realities faced at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of healthcare. The NMA is also pressuring the government to demonstrate the necessary political will to effectively implement these new policies.

Dependable NG reports that the NMA President, Dr. Bala Mohammed Audu, made this appeal during his remarks at a dinner marking the 2025 National Physicians Week in Uyo. The event was themed “Healthcare as a Value Chain: Building Efficiency from Policy to Patient,” with a sub-theme focused on “Tackling Burnout Among Nigerian Medical Doctors: Coach’s Perspective.”

Dr. Audu expressed deep concern over the arduous working conditions that health workers have endured for a long time. He lamented that Nigeria’s health expenditure remains low, hovering around 4.08 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is significantly below both the global average and the target set by the Abuja Declaration.

He urged authorities to deliberately shift this narrative and enhance healthcare delivery by developing financial models that move past “fragmented reactive spending,” while also fostering reliable supply chains and diagnostic systems. Dr. Audu pledged the NMA’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with the government to achieve these vital goals. He emphasized, “Well crafted and evidence based policies must translate into action, not stay confined to government documents. We must therefore demand implementation-ready policies that are context sensitive, that are aligned with realities at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels.”

While calling on his colleagues to maintain their dedication to patient care despite the difficult conditions, the NMA president painted a picture of a possible Nigeria where medicine is always available, referrals are seamless, every pregnant woman in rural areas can access skilled care promptly, and doctors are empowered to save lives without battling systemic failures—provided every component of the healthcare value chain is fortified.

In his address, the NMA Chairman for the Akwa Ibom Chapter, Dr. Aniekan Peter, lauded his colleagues for their “dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care for their patients despite obvious challenges.” He acknowledged the heavy burden of workload contributing to burnout and exhaustion among doctors.

Dr. Peter highlighted the stark comparison, stating, “The NMA AKS wishes to highlight the harsh reality of the work conditions for Nigerian doctors. While a doctor in a developed country may see 20 patients in a day, in Nigeria, it is not uncommon for a doctor to see above 60 patients in a busy clinic.” He called this a testament to the resilience and commitment of Nigerian doctors who continue to serve despite the challenging circumstances.

The Chairman, however, praised the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for recognizing the efforts of doctors in Akwa Ibom by increasing their wages and allowances, alongside improving infrastructural facilities. He also outlined key achievements of his executive committee, which included the payment of over N11 million for the medical treatment of sick members, settling of CONMESS and promotion arrears for members at the University of Uyo, the release of more endowment funds, resolving entry-level issues for residents at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), and awarding a scholarship to a gifted but needy child of a late colleague.

Additionally, Dr. Tiemah Akpabio, the Vice Chairman of the NMA in Akwa Ibom State, encouraged members to view themselves as the crucial link between effective policy-making and efficient patient care. She also urged them to prepare for the revolutionary impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, while noting that AI would not ultimately replace their roles. Akpabio commended Dr. Peter for his proactive efforts in championing the welfare of the chapter’s members.