The association’s state chairman, Dr. Mary Onyeche Obari, made the call in Lokoja during activities marking the 2026 Physicians’ Week, themed “Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria.”

One of the week’s key sub-themes, “Saving the Savers: Promoting Physicians’ Well-being and Preventing Burnout, Cardiovascular Disease and Premature Death,” focused on the physical and mental health challenges facing medical practitioners.

Obari said protecting doctors’ well-being was essential to building a healthcare system capable of providing sustainable, quality services. She argued that a health system that relies on doctors to save lives must also take responsibility for their health, safety and dignity.

According to her, Physicians’ Week provides an opportunity to celebrate medical professionals while drawing attention to the pressures they face and advocating reforms that benefit both healthcare workers and patients.

She noted that doctors routinely manage emergencies, make critical clinical decisions, treat complex medical conditions and support families through difficult situations. However, she warned that the demands of the profession should not come at the expense of practitioners’ health.

Obari stressed that exhaustion should not be mistaken for commitment and that working without adequate rest should not be celebrated as a sign of dedication. She also expressed concern about occupational stress, burnout, cardiovascular disease and the risk of premature death among doctors.

She explained that heavy workloads and demanding schedules can make it difficult for medical practitioners to obtain sufficient sleep, exercise regularly, attend preventive medical appointments and seek timely healthcare for themselves.

To address these challenges, the NMA chairman called for adequate staffing, reasonable duty schedules, protected rest periods, prompt payment of salaries and outstanding entitlements, confidential mental-health support and stronger protection against workplace violence.

She also advocated regular preventive medical assessments and a professional environment where doctors can seek help without fear of stigma.

Beyond physicians’ welfare, Obari highlighted the opportunities that digital innovation presents for Nigeria’s healthcare system. She identified artificial intelligence, telemedicine, electronic medical records and other digital health technologies as tools that could improve referrals, support clinical decisions, strengthen medical education and extend specialist services to underserved communities.

She urged Kogi State to invest in the infrastructure, training and resources required to make effective use of these technologies, particularly in areas where access to specialist care remains limited.

Obari maintained that technological advancement must be supported by reliable digital infrastructure, continuous professional education and appropriate safeguards. She also emphasised that technology should support, rather than replace, the professional judgement and human relationship at the centre of medical care.

The NMA chairman called on the Kogi and federal governments, hospital managers and other stakeholders to work closely with the association to improve conditions for doctors and strengthen healthcare delivery.

While acknowledging the competing demands on public resources and the complexities of healthcare administration, she said sustainable services required fair remuneration, functional medical equipment, sufficient personnel, opportunities for career development and safe working environments.

She urged authorities to resolve legitimate outstanding entitlements promptly, improve workforce planning and invest in modern healthcare facilities.

Obari’s appeal formed part of the wider 2026 Physicians’ Week discussions on how to secure the future of medicine in Nigeria by protecting medical professionals, improving working conditions and preparing the healthcare workforce for technological change.

Reporting by TalkNaija Media