Kwara Doctors Cry Out Over Low Salaries and Poor Hospital Conditions

(MNA. photo by Punch News)
The Nigeria Medical Association in Kwara State says doctors in public hospitals are underpaid, overworked and losing money through unfair deductions.

The group raised the alarm at a news conference in Ilorin on Monday, held as part of Physicians Week 2026.

State chairman Dr Suleiman Rotimi said some doctors have had between 30,000 and 50,000 naira taken from their monthly pay, even though allowances are still owed to them.

He said doctors in Kwara are among the lowest paid in the country.

Many general hospitals do not have enough doctors, so the few who are there have to work long hours.

Rotimi warned that this could lead to tiredness, burnout and poorer care for patients.

He also said Nigeria has about one doctor for every 9,000 patients, and the situation is worse in some parts of Kwara.

The World Health Organisation recommends one doctor for every 600 patients.

The association wants the state government to fix doctors pay, clear the allowances owed to them, stop unauthorised deductions and improve working conditions.

Rotimi said the group is still open to talks over the ongoing dispute.

He said patients are the ones suffering while both sides argue.

He also called for better mental health support for doctors and safer workplaces.

He wants more use of technology like telemedicine so specialists can reach people in remote areas.

He added that better pay and training would also help stop doctors from leaving the country.