The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Kano State Branch has called for urgent measures to protect physicians’ well-being and to accelerate the adoption of digital health technologies to secure the future of medicine in Nigeria.
The call was made by the Association’s Chairman Dr. Abubakar Nagoma Usman in a statement marking Physicians’ Week 2026 themed ‘Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria.’
Dr. Usman said this year’s theme challenges stakeholders to look beyond immediate healthcare delivery and address fundamental issues shaping the profession’s future including physicians’ welfare medical education digital health and the sustainability of the health system.
He said the first sub-theme ‘Saving the Savers: Promoting Physicians’ Wellbeing and Preventing Burnout Cardiovascular Disease and Premature Death’ highlights the need for urgent action to protect doctors.
He said medical practice is characterised by long hours heavy workloads emotional pressure inadequate resources and difficult working conditions which without institutional support compromise physicians’ physical and mental health and professional performance.
‘We must move away from the culture that expects doctors to remain endlessly resilient while neglecting their own health’ he said stressing that physicians deserve rest preventive care safe working environments psychological support and reasonable working conditions.
The NMA Chairman called for stronger institutional measures to promote occupational health prevent burnout encourage routine health screening and improve access to confidential healthcare for medical practitioners.
He urged government and healthcare institutions to address workforce shortages improve working conditions strengthen security in health facilities and ensure prompt payment of physicians’ entitlements.
‘A healthcare system that fails to protect its caregivers ultimately places its patients at risk. Saving the savers is not merely a professional welfare issue; it is a patient safety and public health priority’ he said.
On the second sub-theme ‘Transforming Medicine: Harnessing Digital Health Innovation and Future-Ready Medical Education’ Dr. Usman said digital technologies telemedicine artificial intelligence electronic medical records and data-driven decision-making are reshaping healthcare delivery.
He said Kano State must position itself to benefit from these developments through deliberate investment in digital health infrastructure reliable connectivity data protection and training for healthcare professionals.
He also called for continuous reform of medical education to integrate digital literacy technological innovation research critical thinking and lifelong learning noting that innovation must remain patient-centred and ethically guided.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with the Kano State Government and other stakeholders to improve healthcare infrastructure primary healthcare emergency services specialist care and workforce development.
Dr. Usman urged the public to prioritise preventive healthcare routine medical check-ups and timely consultations with qualified professionals and called on the media to partner with the medical profession to promote accurate health information and combat misinformation.
‘As we celebrate Physicians’ Week 2026 the future of medicine in Nigeria must be built on healthy physicians innovative healthcare systems quality medical education and a renewed commitment to patient-centred care’ he added.