RismadarVoice Reporters
October 20, 2026
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kwara State chapter, has raised concerns over poor remuneration, alleged unauthorised salary deductions and shortages of medical personnel in public hospitals across the state.
The association warned that the situation was placing increasing pressure on available doctors, exposing them to excessive workloads, fatigue and burnout, with potential consequences for healthcare delivery.
The state chairman of the association, Dr Suleiman Rotimi, raised the concerns on Monday, October 19, during a press conference in Ilorin as part of activities marking the 2026 Physicians’ Week.
The event, themed Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria, focused on challenges confronting medical practitioners and the measures needed to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
Rotimi alleged that doctors in Kwara were among the lowest-paid medical professionals in Nigeria, despite their responsibilities and the demanding nature of their work.
He claimed that some doctors experienced monthly salary deductions ranging from ₦30,000 to ₦50,000, even as outstanding allowances and other welfare concerns remained unresolved.
The NMA chairman also expressed concern about inadequate staffing in general hospitals, where available doctors were reportedly required to work extended hours to meet growing patient demands.
According to him, the shortage of medical personnel has created a difficult working environment, increasing the risk of professional exhaustion and potentially affecting the quality of patient care.
Rotimi cited an estimated national ratio of more than 9,000 people to one doctor, warning that access to medical professionals was even more limited in some communities in Kwara State.
He urged the state government to review doctors’ salaries, investigate the alleged deductions, settle outstanding allowances and improve working conditions in public healthcare facilities.
Addressing ongoing disagreements between doctors and the government, Rotimi said the association remained open to dialogue, stressing that patients ultimately suffered when disputes disrupted medical services.
Beyond remuneration, he advocated improved mental health support for medical professionals, including confidential counselling services and stronger protections against workplace violence and discrimination.
The association also called for greater investment in hospital infrastructure, medical training and research opportunities to strengthen healthcare delivery and reduce the migration of Nigerian doctors abroad.
Rotimi further encouraged the responsible adoption of telemedicine, artificial intelligence and other healthcare technologies to expand access to specialist services, particularly in underserved communities.
He maintained that technological innovations should support medical professionals rather than replace clinical judgment and appropriate supervision.
The NMA called for coordinated action by government and other stakeholders to create a healthcare system that protects medical workers while ensuring patients receive safe and reliable services.
The allegations concerning salary deductions and remuneration remain claims by the association, pending a response from the Kwara State Government.
