By Michael Ezenwata
The Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State chapter, Prof. Osita Umeononihu, has called on the Federal Government to improve doctors’ welfare, remuneration and working conditions to protect their well being and strengthen healthcare delivery.
Umeononihu, who is also chairman of the 2026 Physicians’ Week Committee in Anambra, made the call in a statement ahead of the association’s annual Physicians’ Week.
He said the national theme, “Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria,” and sub theme, “Saving the Savers: Promoting Physicians’ Well being and Preventing Burnout, Cardiovascular Disease and Premature Death,” highlighted the need to address threats to doctors’ health, safety and professional practice.
Umeononihu expressed concern over reports of doctors collapsing and dying suddenly, attributing the situation partly to poor remuneration, unfavourable working conditions and inadequate welfare.
He said the challenges had contributed to the migration of Nigerian doctors seeking better opportunities abroad.
According to him, doctors who save lives deserve to be physically and mentally healthy, protected and adequately supported by the government and society.
He condemned the kidnapping and harassment of doctors, as well as alleged extortion by law enforcement agents, describing such treatment as unacceptable.
The NMA official warned that continued neglect of doctors’ welfare could discourage young people from pursuing medical careers in the coming decade.
He noted that doctors, who take the Hippocratic Oath to treat patients regardless of their circumstances, should be protected from hostility and insecurity while performing their duties.
Umeononihu called for a change in attitude by the government and the public, stressing that improved welfare and a safe working environment were necessary for doctors to provide quality healthcare.
He announced that the Anambra State chapter would hold its scientific conference on Oct. 25 at the NMA House in Onitsha, while the Awka zonal branch, led by Prof. Tim Mbaeri, would hold its conference on Oct. 18 at its secretariat in Awka.
In a related development, a former chairman of the NMA in Anambra, Dr. Peter Ogbuka, congratulated the immediate past Awka zonal executive, led by Dr. Basil Dim, on its performance and commended the current executive, led by Mbaeri, for its achievements.
Ogbuka also commended doctors in the state for continuing to uphold the Hippocratic Oath despite Nigeria’s difficult economic conditions.
Michael Ezenwata is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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