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By Muinat Usman
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kwara State chapter, has raised concerns over manpower shortage, poor welfare, and alleged unauthorised salary deductions, affecting doctors in the State.
The NMA Chairman, Dr Sulaiman Rotimi, disclosed this during activities marking the 2026 Physicians’ Week in Kwara.
Rotimi said Nigeria’s doctor-to-patient ratio was about one doctor to more than 9,000 patients.
He said some general hospitals had only one or two doctors, forcing them to work long hours and increasing the risk of burnout.
Rotimi alleged that some doctors
had between N30,000 and N50,000 deducted from their monthly salaries, despite unpaid allowances and poor remuneration.
He urged the State Government to address the issues urgently.
Rotimi also called for improved mental health support, confidential medical services, safer workplaces and protection against violence.
On the ongoing industrial dispute, he said the association had engaged the State Government and other stakeholders and remained open to dialogue.
Rotimi said telemedicine, artificial intelligence and robotics should complement, not replace, doctors.
He noted that technology could help specialists reach underserved communities while maintaining clinical oversight.
The NMA, Kwara Chairman also urged the government to improve doctors’ pay, training, research opportunities and hospital infrastructure, to reduce brain-drain.
Rotimi also called for collective action to build a healthcare system where doctors work in safe and dignified conditions and patients receive quality care.
Editing: Abdullah Ahmed
