The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has released over ₦11 million from its endowment fund to support the medical treatment of five of its members battling serious health conditions within one year.
The disclosure was made by the state chairman of the association, Dr. Aniekan Peter, during the Physician Week 2025 dinner and awards ceremony held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
Dr. Peter said the initiative was part of the association’s continuous welfare support programme aimed at ensuring that doctors facing life-threatening ailments receive prompt medical intervention.
“So far, we have paid over ₦11 million endowment fund to five of our members in one year. When a doctor is sick and unable to fund his treatment, he or she applies to the association for assistance. We review the request, and depending on the severity of the illness, we release sums ranging from ₦2 million to ₦4 million,” he stated.
Physician Week 2025: Celebrating Service and Dedication
The Physician Week 2025 celebration, themed “Healthcare as a Value Chain: Building Efficiency from Policy to Patient,” ran from October 19 to 26, 2025, and featured medical outreaches, workshops, public lectures, and advocacy sessions across Akwa Ibom State.
The week-long activities culminated in a grand dinner and awards night, where dedicated doctors and medical professionals were honoured for their service and contributions to healthcare delivery.
Dr. Peter explained that this year’s theme underscored the need for collaboration and efficiency across every link of the healthcare value chain, from policy formulation to patient care.
“We must recognise that the effectiveness of our healthcare system depends on every stakeholder — from government to practitioners and patients. Efficiency begins with good policy but ends with compassion at the point of care,” he said.
NMA’s Commitment to Doctors’ Welfare
Highlighting the significance of the endowment fund, Dr. Peter said the welfare of doctors remains a top priority for the association. He noted that, while doctors are the nation’s caregivers, many struggle to afford healthcare when they become patients.
“The endowment fund is our way of ensuring that no doctor is left alone in a time of need. It is painful when those who care for others cannot access care for themselves because of financial constraints. We want to change that narrative,” he said.
He added that the association plans to expand the endowment fund in the coming year to accommodate more beneficiaries and sustain support for members facing medical and financial challenges.
The chairman praised members who have consistently contributed to the fund and urged others to emulate their compassion and sense of unity.
Challenges in the Health Sector
Dr. Peter used the platform to highlight the persistent challenges facing Nigeria’s health sector, including inadequate funding, medical brain drain, and poor infrastructure.
He lamented that many doctors continue to work in difficult conditions, often without adequate remuneration or the resources needed to provide quality healthcare.
“Our doctors are doing their best under tough conditions. Many have left the country for better opportunities, while those who remain continue to shoulder the burden of a strained system. Government at all levels must make deliberate efforts to strengthen healthcare institutions and prioritise the welfare of medical workers,” he said.
He also appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government to increase investment in health infrastructure and training, noting that a well-motivated workforce is essential to achieving universal healthcare coverage.
Awards and Recognitions
The Physician Week dinner and awards ceremony was attended by medical professionals, policymakers, and guests from across the state. The event celebrated excellence, innovation, and long-standing commitment to public health service.
Doctors were honoured in various categories, including Clinical Excellence, Community Health Service, Leadership in Medicine, and Lifetime Achievement. Retired physicians who contributed to the growth of the state’s health system were also recognised.
Dr. Peter congratulated the award recipients, describing them as “beacons of integrity, excellence, and humanity.”
“Medicine is not just a profession; it is a calling to serve and to heal. The honourees tonight have shown exceptional dedication, and they inspire the younger generation to serve with purpose,” he said.
Healthcare as a Value Chain
The theme for this year’s celebration, “Healthcare as a Value Chain: Building Efficiency from Policy to Patient,” focused on the need to treat healthcare delivery as an interconnected system where every link — from governance and financing to service delivery and patient feedback — must work efficiently.
Dr. Peter explained that Nigeria’s healthcare system would only thrive when all stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare providers, and patients, work collaboratively toward a shared goal of improved health outcomes.
“Healthcare should not be fragmented. Policymakers must listen to practitioners; practitioners must be accountable to patients. When all parts of the chain function effectively, everyone benefits,” he stated.
Community Service and Humanitarian Efforts
During the 2025 Physician Week, the NMA Akwa Ibom organised free medical outreaches in rural communities, offering consultations, health education, and medications to hundreds of residents.
The outreach programmes, according to Dr. Peter, were designed to bring healthcare closer to people who might not afford hospital services.
“As doctors, we owe a duty to our communities. Beyond the hospitals, we must reach those in need, especially in rural areas where access to care is limited,” he said.
The chairman reaffirmed that community service and patient welfare remain central to the NMA’s mission and vision.
Future Plans and Partnerships
Looking ahead, Dr. Peter said the association plans to deepen partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders to strengthen healthcare systems in Akwa Ibom and beyond.
He noted that the NMA would continue to advocate for improved healthcare policies, increased budgetary allocation to the health sector, and stronger support for medical professionals.
“We will continue to engage with policymakers constructively. Our goal is a functional, people-centered healthcare system that meets international standards,” he said.
Dr. Peter also revealed plans for the establishment of a permanent NMA Secretariat in Uyo to enhance coordination and administrative efficiency.
About the NMA Endowment Fund
The NMA Endowment Fund was established to provide financial assistance to doctors facing severe health conditions or emergencies. It is funded through voluntary donations from members and special fundraising campaigns during the annual Physician Week.
Since its inception, the fund has provided millions of naira in support to doctors nationwide, underscoring the association’s dedication to the welfare and wellbeing of its members.
“We look after others for a living. It’s only fair that we look after our own as well,” Dr. Peter said in closing.
