NMA Raises Alarm Over Doctors’ Health, Burnout

NMA Raises Alarm Over Doctors’ Health, Burnout

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Enugu State chapter, has raised concerns over doctors’ health and welfare, calling for improved working conditions and stronger measures to prevent burnout among medical practitioners. The association warned that doctors who devote themselves to caring for patients often neglect their own physical and mental well-being because of long working hours, demanding responsibilities and difficult workplace conditions.

The state chairman of the NMA, Dr Ortuanya Emeka, made the call in Enugu during a press briefing to mark the 2026 Physicians’ Week celebration. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Saving the Savers — Promoting Physicians’ Well-being and Preventing Burnout, Cardiovascular Disease, and Premature Death. Ortuanya said medical practitioners routinely work extended hours, respond to emergencies, make critical decisions and cope with the emotional strain associated with human suffering. He warned that such demands, particularly in challenging work environments, could undermine doctors’ health and affect their ability to provide quality medical services. According to him, the sustainability of the medical profession depends not only on doctors’ commitment but also on having a healthy and motivated workforce supported by effective government policies and adequate healthcare infrastructure. He stressed that physicians’ well-being should be treated as a practical priority rather than an issue discussed only during professional celebrations. The association chairman urged Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, through the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, to strengthen efforts to guarantee safe working conditions for medical practitioners. He said healthcare employers and relevant authorities must recognise that exhausted doctors cannot continue delivering their best indefinitely without adequate support and rest. Ortuanya also condemned threats, intimidation, harassment and physical attacks against healthcare workers, insisting that hospitals should remain safe environments for both patients and medical professionals. He warned that insecurity within healthcare facilities could undermine effective service delivery and expose doctors to unnecessary occupational risks. The NMA called for sustained engagement with relevant authorities to address challenges affecting doctors, including remuneration, career progression, workplace safety, training opportunities and the availability of essential medical resources. Ortuanya said improving these conditions was crucial to maintaining a motivated medical workforce and strengthening healthcare delivery. He further emphasised the importance of supportive government policies, quality medical education and the responsible adoption of modern technology in building a sustainable health system. The association maintained that protecting doctors’ health and improving their working conditions are essential to ensuring that medical professionals can continue caring for patients effectively.