The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Kwara chapter, says doctors in the state are among the least paid in the country, citing poor welfare, manpower shortages and excessive workloads.

The association’s chairman, Suleiman Rotimi, said this on Monday in Ilorin at a news conference to mark the 2026 Physicians’ Week, themed “Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria”.

Rotimi said some general hospitals had only a few doctors, forcing them to work long hours and increasing the risk of burnout.

“The doctors are underpaid, overworked and over-deducted. Some doctors have between N30,000 and N50,000 deducted from their monthly salaries, despite unpaid allowances and poor remuneration,” he said.

He urged the state government to address the issues, noting that Nigeria’s doctor-to-patient ratio was about one doctor to more than 9,000 patients, with the situation worse in some parts of Kwara.

“The recommendation from the World Health Organisation is one doctor to 600 patients,” he said.

On the ongoing industrial dispute involving doctors in the state, Rotimi said the association had engaged the government and other stakeholders but remained open to dialogue.

“When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. The patients are the ones suffering from this,” he said.

He also called for better mental health support, confidential medical services, safer workplaces and protection against violence, urging doctors to seek help without fear of stigma.

Rotimi advocated the use of telemedicine, artificial intelligence and robotics to support medical professionals and improve access to specialist care in underserved communities.

He urged the government to improve doctors’ pay, working conditions, training, research opportunities and healthcare infrastructure to curb the migration of Nigerian doctors abroad.

Activities for the Physicians’ Week include scientific conferences and an NMA Charity Day.