UMUAHIA, Nigeria — The Abia State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has raised alarm over the dire working conditions of doctors and health workers across Nigeria, describing them as the backbone of the country’s fragile healthcare system — yet often unpaid, under-resourced, and exposed to risk.
Speaking during the 2025 Physicians’ Week in Umuahia, NMA State Chairman Dr. Ezuruike Ezinwa said the theme, “Healthcare as a Value Chain: Building Efficiency from Policy to Patient,” was a call to action for systemic reform.
“It is a time to reflect, renew, and reaffirm our collective mission,” Ezinwa said, urging policymakers to prioritize healthcare investment and workforce motivation.
He commended the Abia State government for introducing a dedicated Health Workers Salary Scale and recruiting 771 new personnel, but stressed that merit-based hiring and in-service training approvals must be reinstated to ensure quality care.
“Motivated health workers are the bedrock of a functional system,” he said.
Ezinwa highlighted stark national statistics: Nigeria spends just 4.08% of its GDP on health — far below the 15% Abuja Declaration benchmark. In contrast, Abia State reportedly meets the target. Yet, healthy life expectancy remains at 55 years, maternal mortality exceeds 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births, and health worker density is less than half the WHO minimum.
“Up to 80% of deaths in rural communities stem from failures in primary healthcare,” he warned.
While praising ongoing renovations of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Abia, Ezinwa emphasized that infrastructure alone is insufficient. He called for stronger referral systems, consistent supply chains, digital health integration, and institutionalized quality assurance.
“To truly build value from policy to patient, we must embrace reform with accountability, smarter financing focused on prevention, fair remuneration, and leadership driven by results — not rhetoric,” he said.
He urged a shift from fragmented spending to strategic investment, envisioning an Abia where every pregnant woman in a rural area can access skilled care, essential drugs are available, and doctors are empowered to save lives rather than battle systemic failure.
“The future is within reach,” Ezinwa concluded, “but only if we strengthen every link in the healthcare value chain.”
The Abia NMA pledged continued collaboration with government, partners, and the public to ensure healthcare delivers real value to citizens.
