The Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on the federal and state governments to fix Nigeria’s ailing health system “from policy to patient,” warning that inefficiency, neglect, and poor funding continue to cripple healthcare delivery nationwide.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos to mark the commencement of the 2025 Physicians’ Week, the NMA State Chairman, Dr. Babajide Kehinde Saheed, said this year’s theme “Healthcare as a Value Chain: Building Efficiency from Policy to Patient” underscores the urgent need to strengthen every link in the health value chain, from policy formulation to patient care.
“The healthcare value chain connects all processes that create value for patients, providers, and policymakers. Yet, we continue to experience inefficiencies at almost every level,” Saheed said. “We need strong political will, sustainable health financing, local drug production, and policies that reward performance and retention.”
He lamented that despite numerous reforms, the health sector remains plagued by brain drain, poor welfare, dependence on imported medical supplies, weak infrastructure, and funding levels still below the 15 percent Abuja Declaration benchmark.
Saheed urged authorities at all levels to convene urgent health summits to review and align existing policies with current realities, stressing that adequate remuneration and motivation of healthcare workers are vital to reversing the sector’s decline.
The NMA also demanded improved working conditions, payment of outstanding skipping arrears, and provision of call-duty meals in tertiary hospitals. The association further called for a review of the 2006 Lagos State Health Sector Reform Law and the introduction of structured two-term tenures for Chief Medical Directors to enhance leadership stability.
It also warned against recent pay cuts affecting doctors in Lagos, saying such measures could worsen the exodus of medical professionals.
“Our doctors are leaving in large numbers because they no longer see a future here,” Saheed warned. “Without motivated and adequately supported personnel, no health system can thrive.”
This year’s event also features a sub-theme — “AI Ethics and the Physician’s Role in Modern Healthcare” — to be led by Dr. Arogundade, President of the Society for Telemedicine and e-Health in Nigeria, and Dr. Achese Inimgba, founder of Medienna.
Saheed noted that while Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing global healthcare, it raises ethical challenges in fairness, privacy, and accountability areas where Nigeria still lacks robust expertise and regulation.
“Physicians must become AI literate and interpret algorithmic outputs responsibly,” he advised. “Technology should support, not replace, human judgment in patient care.”
The 2025 Physicians’ Week, which opened with a Thanksgiving Service at the Chapel of Saint Luke the Physician, LASUTH, Ikeja, brings together doctors, policymakers, and partners to reflect on the country’s healthcare challenges. The opening ceremony will be chaired by Dr. Adeleke Pitan, former Lagos Commissioner for Health and Education, with a keynote address by Professor Akin Osibogun, former Chief Medical Director of LUTH.
Reaffirming the association’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery, Saheed urged governments to prioritize health financing, expand insurance coverage, and invest in infrastructure and training.
“It is only through coherent policies and responsible implementation that we can truly build efficiency from policy to patient,” he said.
