NMA Akwa Ibom Spends ₦11m on Ailing Members, Decries Doctor Burnout

The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has disbursed over ₦11 million from its endowment fund to support five members battling serious health challenges within one year.

State NMA Chairman, Dr. Aniekan Peter, disclosed this during the 2025 Physicians Week dinner held on Saturday. The week-long event, themed “Healthcare as a Value Chain: Building Efficiency from Policy to Patient,” ran from October 19 to 26, 2025.

According to Dr. Peter, the association provides financial assistance ranging from ₦2 million to ₦4 million to doctors who are unable to afford their treatment, depending on the severity of their illnesses.

He listed some key achievements of the state executive within the year, including the payment of CONMESS and promotion arrears for members at the University of Uyo, resolution of entry-level issues for resident doctors at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, and the award of a scholarship to a brilliant but indigent child of a late colleague.

While commending the dedication and professionalism of doctors across the state, Dr. Peter expressed concern over the overwhelming workload they face, which often leads to burnout and exhaustion.

He lamented that, unlike in developed countries where a doctor attends to about 20 patients daily, Nigerian doctors frequently see over 60 patients in a single day — a situation he described as a reflection of their resilience and commitment despite harsh working conditions.

Dr. Peter also appreciated Governor Umo Eno for improving doctors’ welfare through wage increases, allowances, and enhanced healthcare infrastructure.

In her remarks, the State NMA Vice Chairman, Dr. Tiemah Akpabio, urged members to view themselves as a vital link between policy formulation and effective patient care. She also encouraged them to embrace the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare, noting that while AI would not replace doctors, practitioners must adapt to remain relevant in the evolving medical landscape.