Nigerian Medical Association Calls for Improved Welfare Measures for Doctors Nationwide

Strategic Insights -

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State chapter, has called on the Federal Government to adopt improved welfare measures for doctors across the country. The association's demand comes after the Akwa Ibom State Government announced a new salary and allowances package for medical personnel, effective from November 1, 2025. The NMA believes this policy will help curb the brain drain in the state's health sector and urged the Federal Government to emulate this gesture to avert industrial disharmony in the health sector. The association highlighted the difficult conditions under which Nigerian doctors work, often attending to more than 60 patients daily, compared to about 20 in developed nations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Akwa Ibom State Government has approved a new salary and allowances package for medical personnel, effective from November 1, 2025.
  • The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State chapter, has called on the Federal Government to adopt improved welfare measures for doctors nationwide.
  • The NMA believes this policy will help curb the brain drain in the state's health sector and urged the Federal Government to emulate this gesture.
  • Doctors in Nigeria often attend to more than 60 patients daily compared to about 20 in developed nations.
  • The NMA emphasized the need to value medical professionals to sustain healthcare delivery and maintain public confidence in the health system.
  • The association highlighted the contributions of doctors to public health and the importance of recognizing their hard work with adequate compensation.
  • The NMA chairman, Dr. Aniekan Peter, lauded the governor's decision but stressed that similar action was urgently needed at the national level to avert industrial disharmony.

Statistics:

  • 60 patients: The average number of patients Nigerian doctors attend to daily, compared to about 20 in developed nations.
  • 7 categories: The awards that doctors will be recognized in, including Doctor of the Year, Consultant of the Year, and Resident Doctor of the Year.
  • 2025: The year in which the Akwa Ibom State Government's new salary and allowances package for medical personnel becomes effective, November 1, 2025.

Sources:

  • The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State chapter.