2025: A Year of Unmet Potential in Nigeria's Health Sector
As the year draws to a close, Nigeria's health sector finds itself at a critical juncture, grappling with a myriad of challenges that have left the system strained and the public's health needs unmet. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a stark warning, labeling 2025 as a lost year for healthcare in the country.
Despite pockets of progress, the year has exposed deep-seated structural issues that continue to hinder access to affordable and quality healthcare for millions of Nigerians. The NMA's assessment paints a grim picture, highlighting a troubling lack of focus and priority within the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
One of the most pressing concerns is the Japa syndrome, a phenomenon where healthcare professionals migrate en masse in search of better opportunities abroad. Doctors attribute this exodus to poor remuneration, inadequate welfare packages, and limited training opportunities. The government's handling of industrial disputes, marked by prolonged strike actions, has only exacerbated these challenges, leading to service disruptions and increased suffering for the public.
The NMA's review reveals a stark reality: healthcare access remains elusive for many Nigerians. Health indices are low, Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is inadequate, and health insurance coverage fails to reach a significant portion of the population. The cost of healthcare has skyrocketed, driven by the high prices of imported drugs, consumables, and medical equipment, which are subject to heavy tariffs. Primary healthcare, the cornerstone of an effective health system, has received minimal attention, while a poor and unstable power supply continues to hinder service delivery in many health institutions.
The NMA also criticizes the Ministry of Health's misplaced focus, arguing that instead of prioritizing healthcare delivery, the ministry has concentrated on data collection, research, and international partnerships. This shift has left Nigerians struggling to access basic healthcare services.
While there were some positive developments, such as infrastructure improvements in hospital buildings, the NMA emphasizes that these improvements alone are insufficient. Adequate staffing, equipment, and financing are essential to save lives and ensure effective healthcare delivery.
As Nigeria embarks on a new year, the NMA calls for a decisive shift in policy and priorities. Improved welfare for healthcare workers, including better living wages and competitive remuneration, is a key demand. To combat the Japa syndrome, the NMA proposes a comprehensive package that includes enhanced welfare benefits, affordable housing and car loans, structured training and retraining, clearer career progression, overseas training opportunities, modern equipment provision, and worker-friendly policies.
The association also urges an end to assaults on health workers and advocates for non-taxable call duty allowances. The doctors emphasize that retaining skilled professionals requires addressing issues of poor pay, insecurity, and burnout.
On the service delivery front, the NMA seeks to make healthcare more accessible, affordable, and qualitative. This involves expanding UHC, reforming health insurance coverage, reviewing premiums and policies, and reducing the cost of care through lower tariffs on medical equipment and drug prices.
The NMA further calls for immediate action on several critical issues. These include implementing the extension of retirement age for healthcare workers, strengthening primary healthcare across the country, and fostering collaboration between government and private hospitals to reduce mortality and bridge access gaps. Reliable power supply is another pressing concern, as health facilities struggle to provide basic services without consistent electricity.
In terms of funding, the NMA urges the Federal Government to increase the health sector's budgetary allocation from six percent to 15 percent, in line with the Abuja Declaration, while ensuring transparency and efficient fund utilization. The doctors stress that effective and corruption-free fund management is crucial.
The medical professionals advocate for a new approach to resolving recurrent strike actions, emphasizing dialogue, respect, and dignity. They believe that health workers' voices should be heard and their concerns addressed. The NMA also calls for the establishment of specialist hospitals across the six geopolitical zones, including infectious disease centers, and improved security and working conditions for healthcare workers.
As Nigeria steps into 2026, the doctors issue a stark warning. Without urgent reforms, the country risks further workforce losses and deteriorating health outcomes. The NMA emphasizes the need to treat healthcare as a national priority, stating that a functional health system is essential for sustainable development.
