By Enitan Abel Johngold Orheruata, MNIPR
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Delta State Branch, has raised fresh concerns over the growing but largely underreported crisis of drug abuse in the state, warning that substance misuse is silently destroying lives while exposing families and communities to serious health and social consequences.
The association also expressed concern over the continued migration of skilled medical personnel from Nigeria, popularly known as the “Japa” syndrome, and called for urgent incentives, improved welfare and stronger protection for doctors and other critical healthcare workers.
The concerns were raised yesterday in Asaba during the 2026 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the NMA, Delta State Branch, held at the association’s secretariat.
The conference had as its theme, “The Silent Epidemic of Drug Abuse in Delta State: The Unreported Dangers, Early Detection, Screening and Interventions,” while “Reducing Maternal Mortality in Nigeria: From Evidence to Action” was the sub-theme.
Delivering the keynote presentation on drug abuse, Dr. Ovie Martin Albert, Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine, drew attention to the need for early detection, screening, intervention and greater public awareness in confronting substance abuse.
The NMA Chairman, Delta State Branch, Dr. Israel Ighomaro Adaigho, in his welcome address, described drug abuse as a national epidemic that had increasingly affected Nigerian youths and communities.
He said the problem went beyond the use of illicit substances, encompassing misuse, hazardous use, dependence and addiction, all of which, according to him, required urgent and coordinated responses.
Adaigho said greater openness in discussing drug abuse was necessary to break the stigma that often prevents affected persons from seeking help.
He noted that open conversations would also help healthcare professionals, policymakers and society address underlying factors such as trauma and peer pressure that contribute to substance abuse.
According to him, the NMA deliberately chose the theme to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, promote prevention, encourage treatment and strengthen support for mental health.
Maternal deaths: NMA seeks evidence-based action
On maternal mortality, Adaigho said the sub-theme, delivered by Dr. Samuel Ilikannu, was aimed at addressing the persistent loss of women during pregnancy and childbirth.
He stressed that a significant proportion of pregnancy-related deaths were preventable, urging stakeholders to focus on the root causes of maternal mortality, including bleeding, infections and inadequate emergency preparedness.
He said evidence-based interventions and open dialogue among healthcare professionals, policymakers and other stakeholders were necessary to drive down maternal deaths in Nigeria.
‘Doctors no longer valued, protected’
The NMA chairman also painted a troubling picture of the working environment confronting medical doctors and other healthcare workers, saying the profession was increasingly facing misunderstanding, poor appreciation and inadequate protection.
He warned that failure by governments and society to urgently address the challenges confronting healthcare workers would deepen the migration of skilled professionals out of Nigeria.
Adaigho said the consequences of the “Japa” syndrome were already being felt in the nation’s healthcare system, stressing that the government must act quickly to retain doctors and other critical health personnel.
“The caregivers are no longer valued, cared for and protected,” he said, stressing that the NMA conference provided an avenue for doctors and other critical healthcare workers to be “seen, heard, appreciated and valued.”
He appealed to the Federal Government and Delta State Government to introduce stronger incentives and improve the welfare and security of healthcare workers.
NMA demands tax rebate for health workers
The NMA chairman specifically called on the Delta State Government to consider granting tax rebates to doctors and other critical healthcare workers, similar to incentives available to some defence and security personnel.
He described the proposal as a potential motivation for health workers and an incentive that could contribute to the retention of skilled professionals in the state.
Adaigho also appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently address the welfare concerns of doctors and other critical healthcare workers in Delta State.
NMA applauds Delta health investments
The NMA chairman, however, commended the state government for recent developments in the health sector, particularly the deployment of sophisticated diagnostic equipment.
He specifically acknowledged the provision of CT and MRI scan machines in major hospitals across the three senatorial districts of Delta State.
Adaigho described the development as a significant step towards improving healthcare delivery and health outcomes for residents of the state under the MORE Agenda.
He also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, for, according to him, ensuring that the welfare concerns of doctors were brought to the attention of the governor in a timely manner.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Hospital Management Board, Dr. Paul Okubor, appreciated the NMA for organising the conference and wished participants fruitful deliberations.
The annual gathering brought together medical practitioners and other healthcare stakeholders to examine some of the most pressing challenges confronting the health sector, with particular emphasis on drug abuse, addiction, maternal mortality, healthcare workers’ welfare and the retention of skilled medical personnel.