By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) has urged the Federal Government to undertake urgent reforms to rescue Nigeria’s ailing healthcare system, stressing that improved welfare and motivation for medical personnel remain critical to national development.

In a communique issued at the end of its National Executive Council meeting and Scientific Conference held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, tagged “Fixing the Broken Chain: Restoring the Link Between Primary and Tertiary Care”, the association identified worsening insecurity, excessive workload, burnout, and other systemic challenges as major threats to industrial harmony in the health sector.

NAGGMDP President, Dr Idris Shanono, commended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts toward improving national security but reiterated that a peaceful environment is essential for effective healthcare delivery. “A healthy nation is a wealthy nation,” he said.

Shanono outlined the association’s key demands, including the immediate implementation of a revised salary structure and retention allowances for doctors to stem the tide of migration and boost morale.

He also called for the urgent resolution of the long-awaited Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), describing it as a necessary step to restoring trust and stabilising the health sector.

“We call on the Federal Government, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Labour to reconvene without delay and conclude the CBA. A functional and motivated medical workforce is indispensable to national development,” he said.

The association further urged federal and state governments to enrol all doctors in a comprehensive insurance scheme to protect them against increasing occupational risks, including insecurity, workplace violence, and infectious diseases.

Shanono emphasised that no doctor should operate under conditions that expose their families to hardship in the event of unforeseen tragedies.

He warned that addressing insecurity remains crucial to curbing medical brain drain, stabilising healthcare delivery, and ensuring that doctors can work safely across the country.

He added that the association remains committed to dialogue, partnership, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to build a sustainable, equitable, and resilient health system.

Also in attendance at the conference were Dr Aina Oluwafemi (Chief Protocol), Dr Ezekiel Ibrahim Ladan (Secretary General), Dr Anas Alhaji Idris (National President), Dr Abiodun Ajayi (Vice President 1), among other officials.