Mahmoud pushes for more investments in primary healthcare

The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud has called on governments at all levels to push for increased investments in primary healthcare across Nigeria.

Speaking at an event organized by the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria, FCT/Keffi chapter held in Abuja, to celebrate 2025 World Family Doctors Day, Mahmoud emphasized the critical need to strengthen primary care systems to address the growing health challenges faced by communities.

Highlighting the theme for this year’s celebration, “Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World,” Mahmoud underscored the essential role family doctors play in supporting mental health and fostering resilience amidst global adversities such as climate change, social instability, and economic uncertainty.

According to a statement from the minister’s SA Media, Austine Elemue, she described family doctors as frontline caregivers uniquely positioned to deliver continuous, person-centered care that promotes early intervention and holistic support.

“Family doctors are the backbone of our healthcare system, providing comprehensive care that nurtures mental wellness and builds resilience in individuals and communities”, she stated.

She, however, praised their enduring relationships with patients as vital for proactively managing mental health issues and chronic diseases.

Addressing the complex health landscape marked by pandemics, chronic illnesses, and mental health crises, Mahmoud reiterated that robust, accessible primary healthcare is more important than ever.

She also canvassed for training, recruitment, and retention of family physicians-especially in underserved and hard-to-reach regions.

The Minister stressed the importance of recognizing and valuing family medicine within health policy and practice frameworks to ensure sustainable health outcomes.

She hailed family doctors as unsung heroes working tirelessly in clinics, rural health posts, urban centres, and conflict zones to deliver equitable healthcare.

While welcoming participants, the chairperson of Society of Family Physicians, FCT-Keffi chapter, Dr. Ngozi Mmamelu, stated that Nigeria faces unique challenges, including limited access to mental health services, stigma, and shortage of mental health professionals.

She observed that in view of these challenges, family doctors could bridge the gaps by conducting initial mental health screenings, raising awareness, and providing basic psychological support.

Mmamelu further noted that integrating mental health services into primary care is crucial, and family doctors could play a vital role in promoting mental wellness.

She said; “As we gather here today, let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles of family medicine.”

Recall that the date, May 19th, was chosen to align the founding of WONCA in 1972, a landmark event that sought to unite and empower family medicine practitioners on a global scale.