Lagos: Health expert, Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, has urged healthcare workers to prioritize their mental health and well-being. Kadiri, the Medical Director and Psychiatrist-in-Chief at Pinnacle Medical Service, emphasized this message at the 2026 Ordinary General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association of Resident Doctors, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (ARD-LUTH). The event, themed ‘The Healers Need Healing: Addressing Workplace Stress and Mental Challenges Among Health Workers in Nigeria,’ took place at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Kadiri highlighted that healthcare workers are adept at recognizing patients’ suffering but often overlook their own mental and emotional health. She emphasized that the demanding workloads, long hours, shift work, financial pressures, inadequate support, and emotional burdens significantly contribute to workplace stress and burnout. Kadiri urged healthcare institutions to create supportive environments and discouraged bullying and humiliation among healthcare workers.
Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, Chief Medical Director of LUTH, represented by Prof. Rufus Ojewola, stated that healthcare workers often prioritize patient health over their own well-being. He noted that medical training and practice are particularly stressful, especially for resident doctors who face rigorous training and excessive workloads. He expressed satisfaction that the conference addressed stress and well-being, which are crucial for building a healthy workforce and strengthening Nigeria’s health system.
Dr. Sharafadeen Okunade, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State branch, emphasized the need for doctors to prioritize their welfare to maintain quality healthcare delivery. Dr. Ime Okon, Medical Director at General Hospital, Apapa, and President of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Lagos, advocated for psychologically safe workplaces and accessible mental health services for healthcare workers.
Dr. Olatunji Aina, Head of Department and Professor of Psychiatry at CMUL/LUTH, shared his personal experiences with workplace pressure and urged health workers in authority to create supportive and healthier workplaces. Mrs. Akinde Olajumoke, Director of Nursing Services at LUTH, pledged the nurses’ support for the program and collaboration to address healthcare workers’ challenges.
Dr. Adenuga Omogbolahan, President of ARD-LUTH, highlighted the importance of prioritizing healthcare workers’ well-being while exploring the role of Artificial Intelligence in reducing workplace stress and supporting mental well-being. Dr. Martins Olawole identified inadequate training facilities and poor working conditions as significant stressors for resident doctors, calling for increased healthcare funding and improved facilities.
Dr. Betty Ehis and Dr. Latifat Shittu echoed the need for leaders to experience the public healthcare system to understand citizens’ challenges better and urged improvements in salaries, benefits, and working conditions to reduce doctor migration and improve overall well-being.