Posted on: Wed 13-08-2025

The Kwara State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has sounded the alarm over an escalating mental health crisis among doctors in the country, warning that the well-being of medical practitioners is under serious threat.

Speaking at a press briefing in Ilorin on the sidelines of the association’s 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), themed “Mental Health and Well-being of Doctors in Nigeria: Importance of Mental Health”, the NMA State Chairman, Professor AbdulRahman Afolabi, painted a grim picture of the pressures faced by doctors on the front lines.

“While we celebrate innovation and leadership, we must also confront a growing crisis of the mental health and well-being of doctors in Nigeria,” Afolabi stated. “Doctors endure overwhelming stressors such as long working hours, high patient loads, poor remuneration, inadequate infrastructure, workplace insecurity, and even violence. These have contributed to rising cases of burnout, anxiety, depression, and, in some tragic cases, suicide.”

Citing a recent NMA survey, he revealed that a significant number of Nigerian doctors are battling mental health challenges, yet very few have access to professional support. The lingering stigma surrounding mental health, he added, continues to discourage many from seeking help.

Calling for urgent intervention, Afolabi urged the government and healthcare institutions to make doctors’ mental well-being a central focus of health sector reforms. He proposed systemic measures such as confidential counselling services, wellness programmes, and safer working environments.

“A healthy doctor is essential to a healthy population,” he emphasised. “The mental health of doctors is not just a professional matter—it is a public health imperative. Protecting our healthcare workers is key to sustaining Nigeria’s healthcare system.”

The NMA chairman also appealed to policymakers, professional bodies, and the public to invest in the mental health of doctors, empowering them to deliver innovative solutions for the benefit of all Nigerians.

This year’s AGM, he noted, provides an opportunity to reflect on the association’s achievements, celebrate the resilience of healthcare professionals, and deliberate on critical issues shaping the future of the medical profession and the nation’s healthcare landscape.

---

---