NMA Demands Stronger, Accountable Healthcare System

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on the Federal Government and stakeholders in the health sector to create a more coordinated, transparent, and efficient healthcare system that adequately responds to the realities of Nigeria’s health challenges.

The call was made on Monday in a statement issued by the NMA National President, Dr. Bala Mohammed Audu, and relayed through the Taraba State Chairman of the Association, Dr. Adam Hamidu Kara, as part of activities marking the 2025 Physicians’ Week.

Dr. Audu expressed concern over Nigeria’s persistently high mortality rate, stressing that policy translation into concrete action remains the missing link in the country’s pursuit of a strong and resilient health system.

“We must move beyond rhetoric. Effective health delivery depends on translating well-crafted policies into visible outcomes that improve lives,” he said.

He added that the annual Physicians’ Week serves not only as a time for professional reflection but also as an opportunity for doctors to evaluate their mental health and overall well-being, while strategizing for a sustainable future for the medical profession.

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The statement also highlighted the urgent need for increased investment in the health workforce, calling for fair personnel distribution, better motivation, and sustainable retention strategies to tackle the worsening brain drain across the sector.

It further urged the rehabilitation of dilapidated health facilities, improved access to essential medicines, and the establishment of functional referral systems across all levels of healthcare delivery.

The NMA emphasized that true reform in the health sector requires comprehensive policy implementation, supported by measurable accountability and strong oversight frameworks.

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This year’s celebration, themed “Health Care as a Value Chain: Building Efficiency from Policy to Patients,” underscores the need to bridge the gap between policy formulation and effective patient care, ensuring that reforms directly benefit the Nigerian people.