The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has emphasised the urgent need for policies that could make medical practice in Nigeria professionally fulfilling, financially sustainable, safe, and globally competitive as a way to tackle the challenges of the sector.

It stated that the continued migration of doctors and other skilled healthcare professionals present a major challenge to healthcare accessibility, continuity of care, and the training of future generations of medical professionals.

Enugu State Chairman of the NMA, Dr Chima Emmanuel Edoga, stated that Nigeria cannot achieve universal health coverage or sustainable national development without a motivated, adequately supported, and appropriately distributed healthcare workforce.

Addressing a press conference as part of activities to mark the 2026 Physicians’ Week in Enugu on Monday , he called on governments at all levels, healthcare institutions, private investors, development partners, and other stakeholders to prioritise healthcare workforce retention and welfare, sustainable healthcare financing, and investment in healthcare infrastructure to solve challenges in the sector.

Speaking on the theme of this year’s Physicians’ Week, “Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria,” he stated that it was timely, given the increasing pressures on the country’s healthcare system and the growing burden of communicable and noncommunicable diseases.

Edoga also called for physician wellbeing and occupational health, digital health and medical innovation, strengthening medical education and research, public-private partnerships to expand healthcare services and create employment opportunities.

He said that Enugu State, recognises that the sustainability of healthcare delivery in Nigeria depends on deliberate investments in the medical workforce, functional health infrastructure, innovative healthcare financing, medical education, research, and technological advancement

“The NMA Enugu State remains committed to constructive collaboration with the government, healthcare institutions, private sector organisations, civil society, and development partners in addressing existing gaps.

“We particularly advocate a comprehensive approach to healthcare development that integrates health promotion, disease prevention, early diagnosis, quality treatment, rehabilitation, workforce development, and sustainable healthcare investment”, he said

He added that the association envisions an Enugu State where residents can access affordable, safe, timely, and quality healthcare services, while medical practitioners work in conditions that encourage excellence, innovation, and professional fulfilment.

He said Physicians’ Week is an annual celebration dedicated to recognising the invaluable contributions of medical doctors to healthcare delivery, medical education, research, disease prevention, and national development.

He added that it provides an important platform for examining the challenges confronting the medical profession and advancing practical solutions for strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Edoga said the Association acknowledges ongoing efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, strengthen primary healthcare delivery, and expand access to essential health services in Enugu State.

He added that within the week there would be lecture series by medical experts, health walk for wellness and fitness, as well as medical and surgical Outreach at Nkpunato-Nkpolọgwu, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Enugu State, among others.