Ilorin: The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Kwara State has expressed deep concern over growing cases of burnout, anxiety, depression, and suicide among medical practitioners, warning that the trend threatens the lives of the country’s healthcare workforce. Speaking at the Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Ilorin, Chairman Professor Olushola Abdulrahman Afolabi said Nigerian doctors face mounting stress due to long working hours, high patient loads, poor pay, and rising workplace violence.
According to Voice of Nigeria, a recent NMA survey revealed a significant proportion of doctors suffer mental distress. Professor Afolabi pointed out that very few doctors have access to professional help due to limited mental health services and the stigma attached to seeking care. Former NMA chairman Professor Issa Baba Awoye cited a 2014 study at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital which found that 14.5% of doctors had diagnosable psychiatric disorders. He expressed concern that the situation might be worse today, especially for doctors working in less-equipped settings.
Baba Awoye highlighted that stigma remains a major barrier to seeking help, with some hospitals introducing discreet in-house consultations to encourage doctors to access care. He urged the Nigerian government to make mental health evaluations for doctors a standard practice to enable early detection and intervention. Professor Afolabi also called on the media to raise awareness and challenge stigma, emphasizing that the healthcare system’s strength is dependent on the mental and physical well-being of its practitioners.
This year’s AGM, themed ‘Medicine and Entrepreneurship’ with the sub-theme ‘Mental Health and Well-being of Doctors in Nigeria: Importance of Mental Health’, began on 10 August with a thanksgiving service. Activities have included a free medical outreach at the Nigerian Army Sobi Cantonment, with screenings in ophthalmology, ENT, consultations, and free medication. The Scientific Conference will be held in hybrid format on 13 August, followed by sporting events on 14-15 August, and will conclude with the AGM proper on 16 August.