The Nigeria Medical Association, Kwara Chapter, has identified low remuneration as a primary challenge for healthcare professionals in the state. According to AllAfrica, the association’s chairman, Dr Suleiman Rotimi, stated on Monday in Ilorin that doctors in Kwara are among the least paid in Nigeria. This assessment was presented during a news conference held as part of the 2026 Physician's Week, which operated under the theme "Securing The Future of Medicine in Nigeria."
Rotimi highlighted that general hospitals in the state often operate with very few doctors, leading to extended working hours and an increased risk of burnout. He noted that monthly earnings for some staff are reduced by N30,000 to N50,000, a cut he described as occurring despite already poor pay and unpaid allowances. The association’s leadership argued that these factors combine to make the profession less attractive, contributing to the migration of Nigerian doctors to other countries.
The association also pointed to the national doctor-to-patient ratio, which Rotimi cited as approximately one doctor for every 9,000 patients. He contrasted this figure with the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of one doctor for every 600 patients, suggesting that the situation in parts of Kwara is even more acute than the national average. To address these gaps, the NMA-Kwara chairman urged state leaders to enhance compensation, working environments, and infrastructure, while also advocating for the adoption of telemedicine and artificial intelligence to help specialists reach underserved communities.
In addition to financial issues, the association called for better mental health support and safer workplaces to protect doctors from violence. Rotimi emphasized that the ongoing industrial dispute in the state has a direct impact on patients, whom he described as the primary sufferers. The association remains open to dialogue with the state government and other stakeholders, aiming to create a medical environment where staff feel dignified. AllAfrica reported that the week’s activities included scientific conferences and a charity day organized by the association.