The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State chapter, has raised concerns over the worsening doctor shortage in the state, calling on the government to establish at least seven medical training institutions to strengthen the healthcare workforce.

Speaking in Uyo during a press briefing ahead of the association’s Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, the state NMA Chairman, Prof. Aniekan Peter, said the state was struggling to recruit enough healthcare professionals despite government efforts.

Peter revealed that Governor Umo Eno recently approved the recruitment of 400 doctors, but the vacancies could not be filled due to an insufficient number of qualified applicants. He also noted that the state initially struggled to recruit 700 nurses and only met the target after relaxing some of the employment requirements.

He said the situation underscored the urgent need to expand medical education in Akwa Ibom.

According to him, the state must begin to treat medical education as an investment rather than a burden if it hopes to build a sustainable healthcare system.

While commending Governor Eno for approving a medical school at Akwa Ibom State University, Peter described the initiative as a positive first step but said it remained inadequate. He pointed out that neighbouring states such as Delta already operate multiple medical training institutions.

The NMA chairman argued that Akwa Ibom should establish at least seven medical schools to ensure more students can study medicine, nursing, physiotherapy and other health-related courses, thereby addressing the growing shortage of medical professionals.

Peter added that existing facilities, including the General Hospitals in Ikot Ekpene and Eket, as well as the Ibom Specialist Hospital, could be upgraded into medical training centres to support the expansion.

The appeal comes as concerns continue to grow over the migration of Nigerian healthcare workers and the pressure it places on the country’s health sector.