Abuja: The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has called on governments at all levels to increase investment in primary healthcare. Mahmoud made the call in Abuja on Monday during an event organized by the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria, FCT/Keffi Chapter, to celebrate the 2025 World Family Doctors Day.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Mahmoud highlighted the critical need to strengthen primary healthcare systems to tackle the growing health challenges faced by communities. She emphasized that the theme 'Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World' underscored the essential role family doctors play in supporting mental health. Mahmoud pointed out that family doctors are instrumental in fostering resilience amidst global adversities such as climate change, social instability, and economic uncertainty.
She described family doctors as frontline caregivers who are uniquely positioned to deliver continuous and person-centered care that promotes early intervention and holistic support. Mahmoud lauded them as the backbone of the healthcare system, providing comprehensive care that nurtures mental wellness and builds resilience in individuals and communities. She referred to family doctors as unsung heroes, tirelessly working in clinics, rural health posts, urban centers, and conflict zones to deliver equitable healthcare.
The minister praised the enduring relationships family doctors have with patients, highlighting this as 'vital' for proactively managing mental health issues and chronic diseases. She reiterated the importance of a robust and accessible primary healthcare system, especially in addressing the complex health landscape marked by pandemics, chronic illnesses, and mental health crises. Mahmoud stressed the need for training, recruitment, and retention of family physicians, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
She further emphasized the necessity of recognizing and valuing family medicine within health policy and practice frameworks to ensure sustainable health outcomes. Dr. Ngozi Mmamelu, chairperson of the family physicians, added that Nigeria faces unique challenges, including limited access to mental health services, stigma, and a shortage of mental health professionals. Mmamelu suggested that family doctors could bridge these gaps by conducting initial mental health screenings, raising awareness, and providing basic psychological support.
She noted that integrating mental health services into primary care is crucial, and family doctors could play a vital role in promoting mental wellness. The physicians remain committed to the principles of family medicine, aiming to address these pressing health challenges effectively.