EXCLUSIVE ‼️ NMA Enugu Raises Alarm Over Doctors’ Wellbeing, Calls for Safer Working Conditions at Physicians’ Week 2026 Press Conference. .....Dr. Kelvin Emeka Ortuanya urges regular medical check-ups, mental health support and improved workplace safety, declaring that securing the future of medicine begins with protecting the physicians who care for Nigerians.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Enugu State Branch, has called for renewed commitment to physicians’ welfare, preventive healthcare and improved working conditions as it commenced activities for its 2026 Physicians’ Week celebration.

The call was made by the Chairman of the association, Dr. Kelvin Emeka Ortuanya, during a press conference held ahead of the opening ceremony and lecture series scheduled for the annual professional gathering.

The 2026 Physicians’ Week is themed “Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria,” with two major sub-themes: “Saving the Savers: Promoting Physicians’ Wellbeing and Preventing Burnout, Cardiovascular Disease, and Premature Death” and “Transforming Medicine: Harnessing Digital Health, Innovation, and Future-Ready Medical Education.”

Addressing distinguished medical professionals, government representatives, healthcare stakeholders and members of the press, Dr. Ortuanya described Physicians’ Week as a longstanding tradition and a major event in the activities of the medical association.

He, however, observed that physicians sometimes struggle to participate fully in professional activities because of their overwhelming commitment to patient care, a situation he said underscores the importance of prioritising the health and wellbeing of medical practitioners themselves.

‘Who Takes Care of the Doctor When the Doctor Needs Care?’

Highlighting the central message of the first sub-theme, Dr. Ortuanya challenged medical practitioners to reflect on their personal health while discharging their professional responsibilities.

“Who takes care of the doctor when the doctor needs care?” he asked, drawing attention to the demanding nature of medical practice, characterised by long working hours, emergency situations, critical decision-making and the emotional burden of caring for patients.

The NMA chairman expressed concern that physicians often become so committed to saving lives that they neglect their own health, potentially exposing themselves to preventable medical conditions and premature death.

He consequently encouraged doctors to prioritise regular medical examinations, blood pressure monitoring, cardiovascular risk assessments, healthy nutrition, physical exercise, adequate sleep and timely medical consultations.

Dr. Ortuanya also urged his colleagues to take personal preventive healthcare seriously, asking how many had checked their blood pressure within the previous three months or maintained regular exercise routines.

He stressed that physicians must not wait until colleagues develop serious illnesses or suffer medical emergencies before taking decisive action to address the challenges affecting their wellbeing.

NMA Seeks Governor Mbah’s Intervention on Doctors’ Welfare

As part of efforts to improve the working conditions of medical practitioners in Enugu State, Dr. Ortuanya appealed to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah to strengthen government support for a safer and more conducive working environment for physicians.

The appeal was made through the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, with the NMA chairman emphasising the need for policies that enable medical professionals to deliver quality healthcare without unnecessary occupational risks.

He maintained that an exhausted and inadequately supported workforce cannot be expected to sustain optimal performance indefinitely.

The association also identified remuneration, career progression, workplace safety, training opportunities and access to essential resources as important issues requiring sustained engagement between medical professionals, government and healthcare administrators.

According to the chairman, creating a supportive professional environment would enable doctors to practise with dignity, develop their expertise, support their families and contribute more effectively to the healthcare system.

Mental Health Support, Hospital Safety Take Centre Stage

Beyond physical health, the NMA chairman underscored the importance of mental health support for medical practitioners.

He called for confidential, appropriate and non-stigmatising assistance for physicians experiencing emotional exhaustion, anxiety, depression and other psychological difficulties.

Dr. Ortuanya further urged members of the association to support colleagues experiencing professional or personal difficulties, noting that a culture of mutual care and openness would strengthen the medical profession.

He also condemned violence against healthcare workers, stressing that threats, intimidation, harassment and physical attacks on physicians are unacceptable.

He maintained that hospitals and other healthcare facilities must remain safe environments for both patients and healthcare professionals, rather than places where those entrusted with saving lives have to fear for their personal safety.

 Physician Wellbeing Is Essential to Patient Welfare

Dr. Ortuanya emphasised that the welfare of physicians should not be treated as a separate concern from the wellbeing of patients.

He explained that adequately supported medical practitioners are better positioned to contribute to a stable, attentive and effective healthcare workforce.

He further noted that protecting experienced physicians also preserves the knowledge, professional expertise and institutional capacity required to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system.

“Saving the savers,” he argued, is not a privilege for doctors but an investment in the health of the entire population.

The chairman reaffirmed the commitment of the NMA Enugu State Branch to sustained advocacy and practical measures aimed at improving physicians’ welfare throughout their professional careers.

Digital Health and Medical Innovation: Preparing for the Future

While focusing substantially on physicians’ wellbeing, the 2026 Physicians’ Week theme also highlights the need to transform medical practice through digital health, innovation and future-ready medical education.

The second sub-theme, “Transforming Medicine: Harnessing Digital Health, Innovation, and Future-Ready Medical Education,” places emphasis on preparing the medical profession for emerging technologies and the changing demands of healthcare delivery.

Dr. Ortuanya noted that securing the future of medicine requires more than professional commitment. It also demands adequate infrastructure, supportive government policies, quality medical education, a motivated workforce and the responsible adoption of modern technology.

He stressed the importance of embracing innovation while safeguarding professional ethics and patient confidentiality.

The chairman expressed confidence that the scheduled opening ceremony and lecture series would provide an opportunity for experts to examine these issues and propose practical approaches to strengthening the medical profession.

He consequently invited medical practitioners and other stakeholders to participate actively in the forthcoming sessions.

 NMA Reaffirms Commitment to Healthcare Advancement in Enugu

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Ortuanya called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, educational institutions, healthcare administrators, medical professionals and other relevant stakeholders to build a sustainable healthcare system.

He maintained that Nigeria must develop a system capable of attracting and retaining talented medical professionals, rewarding excellence, preserving experience and providing quality healthcare to the population.

The NMA Enugu chairman reaffirmed the association’s commitment to constructive engagement, professional excellence, physicians’ welfare and the continued advancement of healthcare in the state.

He called on stakeholders to move beyond discussions and declarations towards practical implementation, measurable progress and collective achievement.

The press conference concluded with a renewed call for collective responsibility in building a medical profession that is healthier, stronger, more innovative and better prepared for the future.

As the NMA Enugu State Branch proceeds with its 2026 Physicians’ Week activities, the message from its leadership remains clear: the future of medicine cannot be secured without protecting the health, safety and dignity of the doctors who sustain it.

Report by: SPOTLIGHT ONLINE NEWS