The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State Chapter, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the welfare of doctors and address systemic challenges in Nigeria’s health sector to ensure effective service delivery for citizens.
The newly elected Chairman of the Lagos chapter, Dr. Ewunowo Femidire, made the appeal following the emergence of a new executive council, stressing that the current state of the health sector requires urgent intervention.
Femidire described the sector as being under significant strain, noting that while infrastructure development has improved in some areas, the lack of adequate manpower continues to undermine progress.
He questioned the value of building healthcare facilities without sufficient personnel to operate them efficiently, emphasizing that human resources remain critical to healthcare delivery.
According to him, poor motivation, inadequate amenities, weak welfare packages, and unfavorable working conditions are major factors driving Nigerian doctors to seek opportunities abroad.
“These are the core issues.
Addressing them will encourage doctors to stay and contribute their best to patient care,” he said.
The NMA chairman stressed the need for policies that support healthcare professionals, noting that improving working conditions would directly enhance patient outcomes and overall system performance.
Addressing recent leadership changes within the association, Dr. Femidire explained that the removal of the former chairman followed due process as outlined in the association’s constitution.
He stated that the affected official was given an opportunity to respond to allegations of constitutional breaches within a stipulated timeframe but failed to do so, prompting further action by the association.
Femidire explained that an emergency general meeting was convened in line with constitutional provisions after the required number of affiliate groups and members endorsed the move.
He noted that the meeting met all quorum requirements, with over 100 members in attendance, surpassing the constitutional minimum, thereby validating the decisions taken, including the removal of the former leadership.
Citing relevant sections of the association’s regulations, he emphasized that the process adhered strictly to established rules governing leadership accountability and decision-making.
The new chairman assured members of his commitment to fostering unity within the association and resolving internal differences.
He pledged that the new executive would prioritise the collective interests of members while advocating policies that strengthen the healthcare system and improve service delivery to Nigerians.