The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, has urged Nigerian doctors to embrace technological advancements, preventive healthcare and continuous professional development to improve healthcare delivery.

Salako also encouraged medical practitioners to pay greater attention to their physical and mental health, adopt healthier lifestyles and undergo regular medical examinations.

He made the call on Thursday at the opening of the 2026 Physicians’ Week organised by the Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). He was represented at the event by the Acting Provost and Medical Director of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Dr Sunday Amosu.

Speaking on the theme, “Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria,” the minister stressed that doctors must continually update their skills and adapt to emerging medical technologies while placing greater emphasis on preventing diseases rather than focusing solely on treatment.

He noted that lifestyle choices played a significant role in the development of non-communicable diseases and urged physicians to lead by example through healthy diets, regular health checks and appropriate monitoring of their medical conditions.

Salako also encouraged doctors to establish relationships with personal physicians and seek professional medical advice when necessary, warning against neglecting their own health while caring for others.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, also urged medical practitioners to prioritise their physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

Coker observed that doctors faced significant demands in their professional lives despite challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, ageing equipment and staff shortages. She noted that their responsibilities extended beyond treating illnesses to providing emotional support to patients and their families.

She said securing the future of the medical profession required healthcare workers to protect their own wellbeing alongside their commitment to patient care.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the NMA in Ogun State, Dr Sunday Enimola, called for improved working conditions, adequate staffing and better remuneration to address the challenges confronting the profession.

Enimola identified workforce shortages, the migration of medical professionals, burnout, insecurity and inadequate infrastructure as major concerns affecting healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

He argued that the country could not sustainably strengthen its medical sector by expecting doctors to work harder without providing the necessary resources, professional opportunities and supportive working environments.

The NMA chairman also advocated integrating artificial intelligence, telemedicine, electronic health records and other digital solutions into healthcare services. He stressed that these technologies should support medical professionals and improve service delivery rather than replace doctors.

He further called for reforms in medical education to equip future practitioners with the clinical skills, technological knowledge and adaptability needed to respond to changing healthcare demands.

Enimola urged government agencies, universities, healthcare institutions and technology companies to collaborate in developing affordable digital health solutions suited to Nigeria’s needs.

He said stakeholders must translate the discussions at Physicians’ Week into practical measures that improve healthcare services, strengthen the medical workforce and encourage more doctors to remain in the country.