The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Cross River Chapter, has urged the state government to recruit at least 200 doctors to address manpower shortages in the health sector.
Dr Pius Agweye, chairman of the association, made the call while briefing newsmen on Monday in Calabar as part of activities marking the 2026 Physicians’ Week, themed “Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria.”
Represented by the association’s secretary, Dr Ukam Edadi, Agweye said the recruitment would reduce doctors’ workloads, prevent burnout and improve access to quality healthcare in urban and rural communities.
The chairman commended Gov. Bassey Otu for approving the full implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for state-employed doctors, bringing their remuneration in line with that of their federal counterparts.
He also acknowledged the governor’s approval to increase doctors’ retirement age from 60 to 65 years to encourage the retention of medical professionals.
Agweye said the government had approved the recruitment of 40 doctors, including consultants, and urged the authorities to ensure that successful candidates resumed duty promptly.
He, however, maintained that the approved number was inadequate, considering the state’s population, healthcare needs and the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) doctor-to-patient ratio benchmark.
“Some general hospitals in this state have experienced prolonged periods without doctors, so we need additional recruitment, particularly in underserved communities.
“I also call for the speedy passage of the Residency Training Programme Bill, which is currently at the public hearing stage in the State House of Assembly,” he said.
He urged the government to establish a state-owned specialist hospital and introduce programmes in Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy and Pharmacy at the state university.
He said the programmes would develop a sustainable pool of healthcare professionals to support specialist services and strengthen the state’s medical workforce.
Agweye also called for the establishment of a Hospital Management Board to accelerate renovation work in secondary healthcare facilities and improve operational efficiency.
While commending the state’s progress in primary healthcare development, he urged the government to address infrastructure gaps and improve services at general hospitals.
On medical quackery, the association said the Anti-Quackery Law, signed by the governor in July 2026, provided a legal framework for prosecuting offenders.
He, however, said the association was engaging the government to secure logistics and funding for the anti-quackery task force to enable it to carry out its mandate effectively.
Activities for the week began on Sunday, Oct. 18, with a thanksgiving service and will continue with a charity visit, a symposium, Young Doctors’ Day and other events.
