By Mustapha Salisu
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kano State Branch, has called for improved doctors’ welfare, better working conditions and increased investment in digital health to strengthen healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
The chairman of the association, Dr Abubakar Nagoma Usman, made the call today during a press briefing at NMA’s Kano Secretariat marking the 2026 Physicians’ Week, themed “Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria.”
Usman said physicians faced challenges, including long working hours, heavy workloads, inadequate resources and unsafe working environments, which could affect their health and professional performance.
He urged government authorities and healthcare institutions to strengthen measures to prevent burnout, provide access to routine health screenings, address workforce shortages, improve workplace security and ensure timely payment of doctors’ entitlements.
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The association also called for investment in digital health infrastructure, telemedicine, artificial intelligence and electronic medical records to improve diagnosis, treatment and healthcare delivery.
Usman said medical education should incorporate digital literacy, technological innovation, research and critical thinking to prepare future doctors for changing healthcare needs.
However, he stressed that innovation must remain patient-centred, ethically guided and accessible. Technology should strengthen the relationship between doctors and patients, not replace the compassion, judgement, and human connection that define good medical practice.
The Physicians’ Week features a second sub-theme, “Transforming Medicine: Harnessing Digital Health, Innovation and Future-Ready Medical Education,” alongside “Saving the Savers: Promoting Physicians’ Wellbeing and Preventing Burnout, Cardiovascular Disease and Premature Death.”
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The NMA chairman while commending Kano State Government’s efforts in the health sector, He further called for sustained investment in primary healthcare, emergency services, specialist care, medical equipment and workforce development in Kano State.
He urged residents to prioritise preventive healthcare, attend routine medical check-ups and seek medical advice from qualified professionals.
Usman also called on the media to promote accurate health information and combat misinformation, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and raising awareness about physicians’ wellbeing and the importance of modernising healthcare delivery.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to working with government and other stakeholders to improve doctors’ welfare and patient outcomes.
CLOCKWISE REPORTS gathered that, activities lined up for the 2026 Physicians’ Week include Press Brieffing, NMA Charity Day, a visit to orphanage home, courtesy visits to relevant stakeholders, medical outreach, sports and fitness activities, among others.