The Nigerian Medical Association, Akwa Ibom State chapter, has disbursed over ₦11 million from its endowment fund to support the medical treatment of five ailing members within one year.
The state chairman of the association, Dr. Aniekan Peter, disclosed this during the Physician Week 2025 Dinner and Awards Night held in Uyo on Saturday.
The event, which marked the conclusion of the weeklong celebration themed “Healthcare as a Value Chain: Building Efficiency from Policy to Patient,” honoured outstanding medical practitioners for their contributions to healthcare delivery in the state.
Dr. Peter said the fund was created to provide financial relief to members who are battling serious health conditions and unable to afford treatment costs.
“In the past year, we have disbursed over ₦11 million from the NMA Endowment Fund to five of our members. When a doctor is sick and cannot fund treatment, they apply to the association, and depending on the severity of the illness, we provide assistance ranging from ₦2 million to ₦4 million,” he explained.
Highlighting the achievements of his administration, Peter noted that his executive committee facilitated the payment of promotion and CONMESS arrears for members at the University of Uyo, resolved entry-level disputes for resident doctors at UUTH, and awarded a scholarship to the child of a deceased colleague.
Despite the progress, the NMA chairman lamented the overwhelming workload Nigerian doctors face, describing it as a major cause of burnout and exhaustion in the medical profession.
“While doctors in developed countries may attend to 20 patients daily, it’s not unusual for a doctor in Nigeria to see over 60 patients in a single day,” he said.
“This speaks volumes about the resilience and commitment of Nigerian doctors who continue to serve under difficult conditions.”
Peter commended Governor Umo Eno for his recent approval of a new salary package and allowances for doctors and other healthcare workers in the state, describing the gesture as a morale booster that would help curb the exodus of medical professionals abroad.
Also speaking, the state Vice Chairman of NMA, Dr. Tiemah Akpabio, urged medical practitioners to position themselves as the bridge between health policy and patient care.
“We must embrace innovation and be prepared for the future of healthcare,” she said. “Artificial Intelligence will not replace doctors, but those who fail to adapt may be left behind. Every doctor should become AI-compliant.”
She also applauded Dr. Peter’s leadership, noting that his administration had “demonstrated genuine concern for the welfare and professional growth of members.”
