Nigerian Doctors Face Mental Health Crisis, Kwara NMA Warns

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Kwara State Chapter, has expressed concern over the surge in mental health challenges and the well-being of doctors in Nigeria.

The chairman of the association, Prof. AbdulRahman Afolabi, made the statement on Tuesday during a news conference organised on the sidelines of the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Ilorin.

The AGM is themed “Medicine and Entrepreneurship” with the sub-theme “Mental Health and Well-being of Doctors in Nigeria: Importance of Mental Health”.

Afolabi highlighted the need to confront a growing crisis in the mental health and well-being of doctors in Nigeria.

“While we celebrate innovation and leadership, we must also confront a growing crisis in the mental health and well-being of doctors in Nigeria. Doctors are at the front lines of care yet often face overwhelming stressors such as long working hours, high patient loads, poor remuneration, inadequate infrastructure, workplace insecurity and violence,” he said.

Afolabi reiterated that these challenges have led to increased cases of burnout, anxiety, depression, and even suicide among medical practitioners. He added that an NMA survey recently found that many Nigerian doctors experience significant mental health issues.

He noted that very few doctors have access to mental health support, while the stigma surrounding mental health continues to prevent many from seeking help, urging the need for national attention to the mental health crisis affecting doctors in Nigeria.

The NMA Chairman further advocated for systemic reforms, including access to confidential counselling, wellness programmes, and safer working conditions.

He also urged the government and healthcare institutions to prioritise doctors’ mental well-being as part of the broader health sector reforms.

Afolabi also called the attention of stakeholders to the fact that a healthy doctor is essential to a healthy population.

“The mental health of doctors is not just a professional concern; it’s a critical public health issue. Protecting and supporting our healthcare workers is key to sustaining Nigeria’s healthcare system. We reaffirm our commitment to promoting the welfare, professional growth, and mental well-being of all doctors in Kwara and beyond,” he said.

Speaking further, he urged the policymakers, healthcare institutions, professional bodies, and the public to invest in the mental health of doctors and empower them to lead innovative healthcare solutions for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Afolabi also noted that the 2025 AGM is an occasion to review the association’s achievements and celebrate the tireless efforts of healthcare professionals. He added that the event aims to discuss pressing matters affecting both the medical profession and the broader healthcare landscape.

He, however, disclosed that the association had earlier conducted a free medical outreach for over 1,000 residents at the Sobi Military Cantonment. He added that the communities benefited in Ophthalmology, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) consultation and medications and mental evaluation.

Nigerian Doctors Face Mental Health Crisis, Kwara NMA Warns is first published on The Whistler Newspaper