By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
As the world celebrates the 2025 World Family Doctors Day, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has called on government at all levels to increase investments in primary healthcare across Nigeria.
This was contained in a press release signed and made available to AljazirahNigeria, by the Special Adviser on Media to the Minister, Austine Elemue, yesterday.
According to the statement, Mahmoud made the call while speaking at an event organised by the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria, FCT/Keffi chapter held in Abuja.
The minister emphasised the critical need to strengthen primary care system to address the growing health challenges faced by communities.
Highlighting the theme for this year’s celebration, “Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World,” she underscored the essential role that family doctors play in supporting mental health and fostering resilience amidst global adversities such as climate change, social instability and economic uncertainty.
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,” the minister noted.
She, however, praised their enduring relationship 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 and 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 recognising 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 the participants, Chairperson of the 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.
Besides, she pointed out that in view of these challenges, family doctors could bridge the gap by conducting initial mental health screenings, raising awareness and providing basic psychological support.
“Integrating mental health services into primary care is crucial and family doctors could play a vital role in promoting mental wellness,” she noted.
In this vein, she said “As we gather here today, let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles of family medicine.”
It would be recalled that May 19 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.
