Nigerian Medical Association Raises Alarm on Doctors' Mental Health Crisis
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a serious warning about a growing mental health crisis among doctors in the country. The association attributes the problem primarily to poor working conditions and is urging the government and healthcare institutions to take immediate action.
Key Points from the NMA's 2025 Annual General Meeting:
Recognition of the Crisis: During a press briefing, the NMA chairman, AbdulRahman Afolabi, emphasized that the mental health and well-being of doctors is a growing crisis that requires urgent national attention.
Contributing Factors: The NMA identified several key stressors fueling this crisis:
Excessive working hours and overwhelming patient loads.
Inadequate pay and poor welfare benefits.
Subpar healthcare facilities and a lack of essential resources.
Prevalent workplace violence and security threats.
The persistent stigma surrounding mental health issues, which discourages doctors from seeking help.
Survey Results: A recent NMA survey highlighted the severity of the situation, revealing that a significant number of Nigerian doctors suffer from mental health conditions such as burnout, anxiety, and depression, with some cases leading to suicide. The survey also found that very few doctors have access to the necessary mental health support.
Advocacy for Reforms: In response to these findings, the NMA is calling for a number of systemic reforms. These include providing confidential counseling services, establishing wellness programs, and creating safer working environments for all medical professionals.
Public Health Implication: The association stressed that this is not just a professional issue but a critical public health matter, stating that a healthy doctor is vital for a healthy population and that protecting healthcare workers is crucial for the sustainability of Nigeria's entire healthcare system.
