The Ekiti State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for an immediate declaration of a state of emergency in the health sector. Additionally, the NMA has called upon governments at all levels to adhere to the Abuja Declaration by increasing the budget allocation to the sector by 15%, aiming to confront the numerous challenges faced by the sector.

These appeals were expressed in a communiqué released subsequent to the NMA's 26th annual general meeting (AGM), which took place from August 5 to 11, 2023, in Ado-Ekiti, the capital city of the state. The communiqué was jointly signed by the Chairman of the union, Dr. Babatunde Rosiji, and its Secretary, Dr. Moses Dada.

Presenting the communiqué to reporters, Rosiji highlighted the dire state of the country's health sector, stressing the need for effective and lasting measures to rejuvenate the ailing sector. He emphasized that insufficient funding and a challenging working environment have left the health sector devoid of essential infrastructure and personnel necessary to address the health needs of Nigerians. This situation, he added, has compelled healthcare professionals, including doctors, to seek opportunities abroad.

Rosiji pointed out that public hospitals lack the necessary equipment for providing efficient and effective healthcare services, resulting in neglect and a subsequent exodus of healthcare workers.

The communiqué also addressed the current context of subsidy removal and the devaluation of the naira, which have led to a steep rise in the cost of drugs and medical supplies. Coupled with the increased expenses of transportation, the delivery of quality healthcare services has been jeopardized. Healthcare workers are finding it challenging to commute to hospitals daily, and patients are presenting themselves at medical facilities at advanced stages of illness due to these difficulties.