The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, has urged Nigerian doctors to adopt technological innovations, prioritise preventive healthcare and pursue continuous professional development to improve healthcare delivery.
He made the call on Thursday through the Acting Provost and Medical Director of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Dr Sunday Amosu, at the opening of the 2026 Physicians’ Week organised by the Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association.
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Speaking on the theme, “Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria,” Salako said doctors must continually upgrade their skills, embrace emerging technologies and place greater emphasis on disease prevention.
He encouraged physicians to undergo regular medical examinations and adopt healthier dietary habits, noting that lifestyle choices contribute significantly to non-communicable diseases.
He also shared his personal experience with lifestyle changes to address concerns about his cholesterol levels.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, highlighted the challenges confronting medical practitioners, including inadequate infrastructure, ageing equipment and staff shortages.
She urged stakeholders to address these pressures to ensure doctors could effectively carry out their responsibilities.
The Chairman of the NMA in Ogun State, Dr Sunday Enimola, called for improved working conditions, better remuneration and adequate staffing to tackle workforce shortages, medical migration, burnout and insecurity.
Enimola said Nigeria could not secure the future of medicine by demanding more from doctors without providing the necessary resources and supportive working environments.
He also advocated the integration of artificial intelligence, telemedicine, electronic health records and other digital innovations into healthcare delivery, stressing that technology should support rather than replace medical practitioners.
The NMA chairman further called for reforms in medical education and stronger collaboration among government agencies, universities, healthcare institutions and technology companies to develop affordable digital health solutions suited to Nigeria.
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He urged stakeholders to translate discussions at the Physicians’ Week into practical policies that would improve healthcare delivery, strengthen the medical workforce and address challenges facing the profession.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
