NMA Urges Bauchi Government to Improve Doctors’ Welfare, Begin Specialist Training

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Bauchi State Branch, has urged the state and Federal Governments to improve healthcare workers’ welfare and working conditions to curb the migration of doctors and retain skilled medical professionals in Nigeria.

The association also called on the Bauchi State Government to commence internship and postgraduate medical training at the Specialist Hospital, Bauchi, to provide more opportunities for doctors trained in the state and encourage them to remain in the local healthcare system.

The NMA made the appeal on Monday in Bauchi during a press briefing to mark the 2026 Physicians’ Week, themed “Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria.”

Presenting an address on behalf of the NMA National President, Prof. Afekhide Ernest, the state branch Vice Chairman, Dr Bello Abdullahi, said the annual event provided an opportunity to examine the challenges facing the medical profession and consider measures to strengthen healthcare delivery.

He identified increasing workloads, inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, declining remuneration, poor welfare, professional burnout and the migration of doctors as major concerns threatening the country’s health sector.

Abdullahi said securing the future of medicine in Nigeria would require deliberate government action, strategic investment and shared responsibility among stakeholders.

Speaking on the sub-theme, “Saving the Savers,” he emphasised the importance of protecting the physical and mental health of medical professionals, warning that exhausted and emotionally distressed doctors could struggle to sustain quality patient care.

“There is a dangerous misconception that being a good doctor means being an exhausted doctor. It does not,” he said, adding that healthcare workers needed adequate rest, supportive working environments and access to appropriate medical and psychological care.

The NMA vice chairman called for regular medical examinations, improved workplace conditions and confidential professional support services for doctors. He also condemned attacks, threats and intimidation against medical personnel, insisting that hospitals must remain safe environments for healthcare workers and patients.

“The safety of doctors is not negotiable. And when doctors are safe, patients are safer,” Abdullahi stated.

On the growing migration of Nigerian doctors abroad, he argued that appeals to patriotism alone would not be enough to persuade medical professionals to remain in the country.

He said competitive remuneration, professional dignity, personal security and opportunities for career advancement were essential to making Nigeria’s healthcare system more attractive to doctors.

“The answer cannot simply be that doctors should remain because of patriotism,” he said, stressing that improved working conditions and a stronger health system were necessary to give medical professionals confidence in their future and that of their families.

Abdullahi also urged governments to develop effective strategies for retaining medical personnel and encouraging skilled professionals in the diaspora to contribute to Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

He said structured collaborations, research partnerships and knowledge-sharing initiatives could enable Nigerian doctors abroad to support medical training and healthcare development at home.

The association, he added, remained committed to protecting the welfare and dignity of medical practitioners, promoting ethical medical practice and contributing to policies aimed at improving healthcare delivery. He also called for unity among doctors, urging them to prioritise the collective interests of the profession.

Meanwhile, while presenting an address on behalf of the Bauchi State NMA Chairman, Dr Muhammad Abdullahi, the vice chairman commended the state government, led by Governor Bala Mohammed, for its interventions in the health sector.

He highlighted the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), alongside the renovation of secondary healthcare facilities and primary healthcare centres.

He also cited the renovation and upgrading of the Specialist Hospital, Bauchi, as part of the government’s efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure in the state.

The association further acknowledged the government’s commitment to completing doctors’ quarters at the NMA secretariat and other interventions intended to strengthen healthcare delivery.

However, the NMA maintained that further action was needed to address the migration of medical professionals, improve working conditions and expand training opportunities if Bauchi State and Nigeria were to retain more skilled doctors.