October 21, (THEWILL) — The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State chapter, has called on the Federal Government to adopt improved welfare measures for doctors across the country, following the recent approval of a new salary and allowances package for medical personnel by the Akwa Ibom State Government.
Governor Umo Eno announced the upward review of salaries and special allowances for doctors and other healthcare workers, with effect from November 1, 2025, during the State Executive Council meeting. The policy, according to the NMA, is expected to curb the ongoing brain drain in the state’s health sector.
Addressing journalists in Uyo on Monday, to mark the commencement of the 2025 National Physicians’ Week, the state NMA chairman, Dr Aniekan Peter, lauded the governor but stressed that similar action was urgently needed at the national level to avert industrial disharmony in the health sector.
He described the state government’s intervention as “a timely and progressive step” but warned that without a federal response, disparities in welfare could worsen medical personnel migration and nationwide shortages.
“The new welfare package is a much-needed boost for medical doctors and other healthcare workers who have been struggling with inadequate compensation for their hard work. We urge the Federal Government to emulate this gesture without delay to forestall further crises”, he said.
Peter highlighted the difficult conditions under which Nigerian doctors work, noting that physicians in the country often attend to more than 60 patients daily compared to about 20 in developed nations.
He said this year’s Physicians’ Week would also spotlight the contributions of doctors to public health and feature awards in seven categories, including Doctor of the Year, Consultant of the Year and Resident Doctor of the Year.
The NMA chairman reiterated that valuing medical professionals was essential to sustaining healthcare delivery and maintaining public confidence in the health system.
