The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ogun State Branch, has presented a 10-point healthcare agenda for the incoming state government in 2027, urging political parties to prioritise healthcare delivery.
The association’s Chairman, Dr Sunday Enimola, disclosed this at a news conference in Abeokuta on Monday to commemorate the 2026 Physicians’ Week.
According to Enimola, healthcare should be treated as a strategic investment in the security, productivity, prosperity and future of the state.
He urged political parties, governorship candidates, legislators and other political office seekers to present clear, measurable, adequately funded and time-bound healthcare policy proposals.
He identified sustainable healthcare financing, improved welfare for medical professionals, workplace safety, functional hospitals and stronger primary healthcare as key priorities.
The NMA chairman also advocated expanded health insurance coverage, digital health transformation, medical research, improved emergency preparedness, structured government engagement and a healthcare delivery compact for 2027 to 2031.
On healthcare financing, Enimola called for increased budgetary allocation, noting that the state’s reported 13 per cent allocation between 2025 and 2026 could be improved upon.
He said the government should meet or exceed the 15 per cent benchmark referenced by the association, with emphasis on primary healthcare, essential medicines, medical equipment and personnel recruitment.
He also called for transparent budgeting, efficient resource utilisation, measurable outcomes and public-private partnerships that would protect patient safety and ensure equitable access to healthcare.
Addressing workforce welfare, the NMA chairman urged the incoming administration to implement a comprehensive policy to tackle staffing shortages, remuneration, career progression, professional development and working conditions.
He said deliberate measures were needed to attract and retain doctors and other healthcare professionals, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Enimola also advocated regular engagement between the government and healthcare professionals to address industrial concerns early and prevent avoidable disruptions to medical services.
“We seek a safer working environment, functional hospitals, modern healthcare infrastructure, strengthened primary healthcare and universal health coverage, digital health transformation, and medical innovation.
“Others include investment in medical education and research, stronger public and environmental health, improved emergency preparedness, structured partnerships between the government and the NMA, and a healthcare delivery compact for 2027 to 2031,” he said.
As part of the Physicians’ Week celebration, Enimola urged residents to undergo regular medical check-ups, embrace preventive healthcare and adhere to professional medical advice.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to Vision, Advocacy, Leadership, Unity and Elevation (VALUE), saying the principles would guide its efforts to promote professional excellence and contribute to the state’s development.
He expressed hope that the 2026 Physicians’ Week would inspire stronger partnerships, renewed commitment and measurable improvements in healthcare delivery across the state.
Enimola said the health of Ogun residents must remain central to the state’s development agenda, adding that a healthier population would contribute to economic growth, productivity, social stability and human dignity.
The week-long celebration features activities such as a cancer awareness walk, courtesy visits to medical elders, a thanksgiving service and a Jumu’ah service, among others.
