Kwara Doctors Face Burnout Amid Poor Welfare, Manpower Shortages
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Kwara State chapter, has raised concerns over alleged unauthorised salary deductions, poor remuneration and severe manpower shortages in public hospitals, warning that the conditions are exposing doctors to excessive workloads and burnout. The state chairman, Dr Suleiman Rotimi, made this known on Monday in Ilorin during a news conference marking the 2026 Physicians’ Week, themed “Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria.” Rotimi said doctors in the state remained among the lowest-paid in the country despite their critical role in healthcare delivery, alleging that some had between ₦30,000 and ₦50,000 deducted from their monthly salaries while outstanding allowances remained unpaid. He also expressed concern over staffing shortages in general hospitals, where the limited number of available doctors were reportedly working extended hours to attend to patients. According to him, Nigeria has about one doctor to more than 9,000 patients, with the situation worse in some parts of Kwara, compared with the World Health Organisation’s recommended ratio of one doctor to 600 patients.
The NMA chairman urged the state government to address doctors’ remuneration, outstanding allowances, alleged unauthorised deductions and poor working conditions to prevent further deterioration of healthcare services. 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, warning that patients were bearing the consequences of the disagreement. He also called for confidential mental health services, safer workplaces and protection from violence and discrimination, stressing that doctors should be able to seek psychological support without fear of stigma. Rotimi further advocated the wider use of telemedicine, artificial intelligence and robotics to improve access to specialist care in underserved communities, while maintaining professional oversight. He called for increased investment in doctors’ training, research and hospital infrastructure, alongside improved welfare, to discourage medical professionals from leaving the country and help build a healthcare system that supports practitioners and delivers quality care to patients.
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