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, Sunday Enimola, said this at a news conference in Abeokuta on Monday to mark the 2026 Physicians’ Week.

Mr Enimola 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 of medical professionals, workplace safety, functional hospitals, and stronger primary healthcare as key priorities.

The NMA chairman 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, Mr 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.

On workforce welfare, the state chairman urged the incoming administration to implement a comprehensive policy to address 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.

Mr Enimola also advocated regular engagement between 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, the strengthening of primary healthcare and universal health coverage, digital health transformation, and medical innovation.

“Others are investment in medical education and research, stronger public environmental health and emergency preparedness, and structured partnership between government and the NMA, with a healthcare delivery compact for 2027 to 2031,” he said.

As part of the physicians’ week celebration, Mr Enimola urged residents to undertake regular medical check-ups, embrace preventive healthcare, and follow 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.

(NAN)