The Kwara State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has raised the alarm over the deteriorating mental health and well-being of doctors across the country.

Professor AbdulRahman Afolabi, Chairman of the association, issued the warning during a briefing on the sidelines of the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Ilorin yesterday. The event, themed "Mental Health and Well-being of Doctors in Nigeria: Importance of Mental Health", spotlighted the growing psychological toll on medical professionals.

While acknowledging advancements in medical leadership and innovation, Afolabi stressed that these gains are overshadowed by a deepening crisis.

"While we celebrate progress, we must also confront the growing crisis surrounding the mental health of doctors in Nigeria," he said.

He highlighted that physicians, despite being at the forefront of patient care, face immense stressors including excessively long working hours, overwhelming patient loads, poor pay, crumbling infrastructure, and rising incidents of workplace insecurity and violence.

According to Afolabi, these conditions have contributed to widespread burnout, anxiety, depression, and even suicide among medical practitioners.

He cited a recent NMA survey revealing that a significant number of Nigerian doctors suffer from serious mental health challenges many of whom do not seek help due to stigma or lack of access to support services.

The association is calling for urgent interventions, including institutional mental health support systems, improved working conditions, and policy reforms to protect the welfare of healthcare workers.

"Yet very few have access to mental health support. Moreover, the stigma surrounding mental health continues to prevent many from seeking help. There is need for national attention to the mental health crisis affecting doctors in Nigeria," he said.

Afolabi advocated systemic reforms, including access to confidential counselling, wellness programs, and safer working conditions.

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

The NMA chairman reminded stakeholders that a healthy doctor was 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 called on 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.

According to him, the 2025 AGM is an occasion to review the association's achievements and celebrate the tireless efforts of healthcare professionals.

He noted that the event aims to discuss pressing matters affecting both the medical profession and the broader healthcare landscape.

Afolabi revealed that the association had earlier conducted a free medical outreach for over 1,000 residents at Sobi Military Cantonment.