As Nigeria grapples with economic hardship, insecurity, and a strained healthcare system, family doctors have decried the growing burden of mental health issues across the federation.

They, therefore, canvassed an urgent integration of mental health services into the nation’s primary healthcare centres.

To commemorate the 2025 World Family Doctor Day today, President of the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFPON), Dr Blessing Chukwukelu, emphasised the critical role of family doctors in the early detection and management of mental health conditions.

A combination of stigma, poor infrastructure, and a shortage of mental health professionals prevents many from accessing care.

She said the psychiatrist-to-patient ratio in the country currently stands at around 1 to 700,000, far below global recommendations.

Chukwuelu noted that the absence of routine mental health screenings in primary healthcare centres, along with limited access to culturally appropriate diagnostic tools, significantly undermines early detection and treatment.

SOFPON is, therefore, advocating nationwide adoption of tools such as the PHQ-9 and GHQ-12, which have shown promising results in pilot programmes across the country.

The family physician also expressed concern over the ongoing migration of health professionals, regretting that they were leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.

In response, the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria has introduced a Diploma in Family Medicine to equip non-residency doctors with essential skills to deliver quality care.

Echoing her sentiments, Chairman of the Lagos chapter of SOFPON, Dr Sixtus Ozuomba, dissected the impact of economic and social disruptions on mental well-being. “People are struggling with school fees, rent, and broken family units due to migration. Even doctors are affected- they carry not just their own burdens – but also those of their patients,” he said.

Ozuomba lamented the poor working conditions, low pay, and lack of support for health professionals, noting a rise in mental health challenges among doctors themselves.

He urged Nigerians to be more empathetic and self-aware.