The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Kwara State has expressed deep concern over growing cases of burnout, anxiety, depression and suicide among medical practitioners, warning that the trend threatens the lives of the country’s healthcare workforce.
Speaking at the Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Ilorin, Chairman Professor Olushola Abdulrahman Afolabi said Nigerian doctors face mounting stress due to long working hours, high patient loads, poor pay and rising workplace violence.
He noted that a recent NMA survey revealed a significant proportion of doctors suffer mental distress.
“There are very few doctors who have access to professional help because of the limited mental health services and the stigma attached to seeking care,” he said.
Former NMA chairman Professor Issa Baba Awoye cited a 2014 study at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital which found that 14.5% of doctors had diagnosable psychiatric disorders.
“That figure was within a teaching hospital environment, where mental health care is readily available.Imagine what it would be for doctors working in less-equipped settings. If we repeat the study today, I fear the numbers would be worse,” he warned.
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Baba Awoye added that stigma remains a major barrier to seeking help, with some hospitals introducing discreet in-house consultations to encourage doctors to access care.
He urged the Nigerian government to make mental health evaluations for doctors a standard practice to enable early detection and intervention.
Professor Afolabi also called on the media to raise awareness and challenge stigma, stressing: “Our healthcare system can only be as strong as the mental and physical well-being of those who sustain it.”
This year’s AGM, themed “Medicine and Entrepreneurship” with the sub-theme “Mental Health and Well-being of Doctors in Nigeria: Importance of Mental Health”, began on 10 August with a thanksgiving service.
Activities have included a free medical outreach at the Nigerian Army Sobi Cantonment, with screenings in ophthalmology, ENT, consultations and free medication.
The Scientific Conference will be held in hybrid format on 13 August, followed by sporting events on 14–15 August, and will conclude with the AGM proper on 16 August.