The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kwara branch, on Monday called for an efficient referral system and stronger political commitment to healthcare reforms in the state.
Chairman of the association, Prof. AbdulRahman Afolabi, made the call while addressing newsmen during the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Ilorin.
The theme of the event is: “Medicine, Leadership and Public Policy: The Political Influence on Healthcare,” with a sub-theme: “Referral System in Medical Practice: Current Practice, Challenges, and the Way Forward.”
Afolabi emphasized that an effective referral system ensures patients receive the right care at the right level and at the right time through seamless coordination among primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities.
According to him, it promotes continuity of care, improves patient safety, optimizes limited healthcare resources, and significantly enhances clinical outcomes.
He stressed that strong leadership and evidence-based public policies are essential for improving healthcare across the country.
Afolabi noted that healthcare delivery depends not only on the competence of medical professionals but also on government policies related to financing, workforce development, infrastructure, health insurance, medical education, and access to essential medicines.
He described a functional referral system as a critical component of an efficient healthcare system.
To decongest tertiary hospitals and improve patient outcomes, he said there is a need to strengthen referral and counter-referral protocols, improve communication among healthcare providers, ensure proper documentation, expand ambulance and emergency transport services, deploy digital health information systems, and address manpower shortages to reduce delays in accessing specialist care.
Afolabi commended the Kwara State Government for investments in health infrastructure, revitalization of primary healthcare centers, expansion of health insurance coverage, and recruitment of healthcare workers.
However, he called for sustained investment in emergency medical services, digital health technologies, specialist manpower development, healthcare financing, and strengthening the referral system.
He urged all levels of government to involve healthcare professionals in policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation, emphasizing that evidence-based policymaking is vital for sustainable healthcare reforms.
Afolabi reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting the welfare of medical practitioners, improving working conditions, supporting continuous professional development, and advocating for quality, affordable, and equitable healthcare for all Nigerians.
He assured Kwara residents that doctors would continue to provide ethical and high-quality healthcare services despite sector challenges.
The association expressed optimism that the AGM discussions would generate practical recommendations to shape the future of healthcare in Kwara and Nigeria.
