The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kogi State Chapter, has called on government authorities and hospital administrators to prioritize the welfare, working conditions, and professional development of medical doctors to ensure sustainable healthcare delivery across the state.
The State Chairman of the NMA, Dr. Mary Onyeche Obari, made the call on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, in Lokoja during activities marking the 2026 Physicians’ Week.
Speaking on the theme, “Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria,” Obari emphasized that protecting the physical and mental well-being of physicians is critical to maintaining a functional health sector.
“A system that depends on physicians to save lives must also take responsibility for preserving the lives, health and dignity of its physicians,” Obari stated.
She expressed concern over severe workplace burnout, occupational stress, and high cardiovascular disease risks among medical practitioners, warning against treating overwork as evidence of professional dedication.
“Burnout should not be mistaken for dedication. Working without adequate rest should not be celebrated as a measure of commitment. A physician’s suffering should not have to become a tragedy before it receives attention,” she added.
To address these challenges, the NMA chairman advocated practical interventions, including reasonable duty schedules, protected rest periods, prompt payment of salary entitlements, workplace safety against violence, and access to confidential mental health services.
On digital healthcare and innovation, Obari highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and digital health records to expand access to medical care in rural and underserved areas. She, however, stressed that technological tools must be matched with investments in digital infrastructure, modern equipment, and continuous medical education.
“Artificial intelligence may support clinical decision-making, but human judgment, empathy, accountability and professional ethics must remain central to medicine,” she noted.
While commending Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, for recent strides in the state’s health sector, Obari urged the state government to sustain dialogue with the association to address outstanding entitlements and operational challenges facing healthcare personnel.
