The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently reverse the recent increase in petrol prices, warning that the hike could trigger a surge in mental health issues, stress-induced illnesses, and even death across the country. In a statement issued by the NMA’s Lagos chapter, chaired by Dr. Saheed Kehinde, the association emphasized that the steep rise in fuel costs imposed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) would exacerbate Nigeria’s already fragile socio-economic conditions, further endangering public health.
The medical body expressed deep concern over the unilateral decision by the NNPCL, describing it as an unnecessary burden that adds to the hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians. “This decision has brought about unbearable hardship on Nigerians, including our members, medical and dental doctors, who are already struggling under severe economic constraints and insecurity,” said Kehinde in the statement.
Dire Economic Impact on Healthcare Professionals
Nigerian doctors, many of whom earn an average of just $300 per month, are now grappling with a dramatically increased cost of living. The NMA lamented the impossibility of managing personal finances under the current economic climate, with the fuel price hike pushing essential goods and services further out of reach for healthcare professionals and the general populace.
“How can we expect doctors, already earning modest salaries, to cope with this astronomical rise in living costs?” the association asked. The recent hike in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) prices has further deepened the already unsustainable economic reality faced by both healthcare workers and the wider Nigerian public, the NMA noted. The association warned that continued neglect of these economic challenges could worsen Nigeria’s already critical healthcare system, leading to more doctors seeking opportunities abroad.
Surge in Brain Drain, Societal Unrest
The NMA further highlighted the mass exodus of Nigerian doctors, who are leaving the country in search of better working conditions and economic stability. “Many of our members are leaving the country in droves due to the dismal economic situation. This recent development will only exacerbate the already dire circumstances,” the statement read.
According to the association, the rising fuel prices could also lead to widespread social unrest, with potential spikes in stress-related health conditions. Hospital admissions for depression and other mental health challenges are expected to increase as Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of economic hardship. The doctors warned that if left unchecked, these challenges could lead to a higher mortality rate across the country.
Call for Economic Policy Overhaul and Self-Sufficiency
In light of the worsening conditions, the NMA called on the Federal Government to reconsider its economic policies, particularly those relating to the importation of petroleum products. The association urged the government to take steps towards self-sufficiency in the production of petroleum, including the revitalization of local refineries, to reduce the nation’s dependence on costly fuel imports.
“We strongly advise the government to rethink its economic policies. It is high time Nigeria moved towards self-sufficiency in petroleum production, particularly PMS,” the NMA said. By reducing reliance on imported fuel, Nigeria can shield itself from global price fluctuations and ease the financial burden on its citizens.
The NMA also stressed the importance of addressing the persistent insecurity plaguing the country, which has been a major hindrance to economic growth. “A stable environment is necessary for any economy to thrive,” the statement added, highlighting the need for the government to prioritize security as a means of reducing poverty and hardship.
A Plea for Immediate Relief
NMA urged President Tinubu and his administration to reverse the fuel price hike as a matter of urgency, providing immediate relief to Nigerian healthcare professionals and the general public. “Reversing the fuel price increase will offer much-needed relief to our members and all Nigerians, who are already struggling under the weight of inflation, insecurity, high electricity tariffs, and excessive taxation,” the association emphasized.
With the country’s healthcare system already under immense pressure, the NMA’s call to action highlights the broader implications of economic policies on public health. For the sake of both the medical community and the wider population, the association hopes that the Federal Government will act swiftly to prevent further deterioration of Nigeria’s economic and healthcare landscape.
