RismadarVoice Reporters
October 20, 2026
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called for greater attention to doctors’ physical and mental well-being, warning that excessive workloads, emotional exhaustion and unsafe working conditions could undermine healthcare delivery across the country.
The Chairman of the association’s Rivers State chapter, Professor Ureh Annabel Oparaodu, made the call while presenting an address by the NMA National President, Professor Afekhide Ernest Omoti, at the opening of the 2026 Physicians’ Week.
The event, themed Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria, focused on improving healthcare workers’ welfare, strengthening medical services and addressing challenges confronting the profession.
Oparaodu stressed that doctors must prioritise their health, noting that medical professionals experiencing persistent exhaustion and psychological distress could struggle to provide patients with the quality of care required.
She urged physicians to undergo regular medical examinations, pay attention to cardiovascular health, obtain adequate rest and seek confidential psychological support whenever necessary.
The NMA chairman also called for an end to the culture of silence surrounding doctors’ personal difficulties, emphasising that seeking medical or psychological assistance should not be regarded as professional weakness.
Addressing workplace safety, she condemned threats, intimidation and physical attacks against healthcare professionals, insisting that hospitals must remain safe environments for both patients and medical personnel.
She maintained that protecting healthcare workers was essential to delivering effective and compassionate medical services.
On technological advancement, Oparaodu highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence, telemedicine, electronic medical records and digital diagnostic tools in modern healthcare.
She urged Nigeria to embrace appropriate medical innovations while ensuring that technology complemented professional judgment, ethical standards and the personal relationship between doctors and patients.
Speaking on the migration of medical professionals, Oparaodu said the departure of doctors from Rivers State had reduced following interventions by the state government in the health sector.
However, she appealed for the recruitment of additional doctors to address existing workforce shortages and improve access to healthcare services across the state.
The association maintained that retaining skilled medical professionals required sustained investment in personnel, improved working conditions, professional development and stronger healthcare infrastructure.
Oparaodu reiterated that the future of medicine depended not only on technological progress but also on the safety, health and welfare of those responsible for treating patients.
