By Oso Abidemi
In celebration of the 2025 World Family Doctors Day, the Federal Capital Territory Administration has called on all tiers of government to significantly increase funding and support for primary healthcare across Nigeria.
Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, FCT Minister of State, made the appeal at an event organized by the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria, FCT/Keffi chapter.
She highlighted the growing health challenges communities face and stressed the urgent need to strengthen primary care systems.
This year’s theme, Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World, formed the core of her message, emphasizing the vital role family doctors play in promoting mental health and helping people withstand global pressures such as climate change, social unrest, and economic instability.
“Family doctors are the backbone of our healthcare system,” Mahmoud said, “providing continuous, person-centered care that nurtures mental wellness and resilience.”
She praised family physicians for their lasting relationships with patients, which are essential for early intervention and management of mental health and chronic diseases.
Mahmoud also called for greater efforts in training, recruiting, and retaining family doctors, especially in underserved regions.
The Chairperson of the Society of Family Physicians, Dr. Ngozi Mmamelu, noted Nigeria’s challenges, including limited mental health services, stigma, and a shortage of specialists.
She urged integrating mental health into primary care, with family doctors playing a critical role in screening, awareness, and basic psychological support.
The event marked the global founding of the World Organization of Family Doctors in 1972, a milestone in uniting practitioners worldwide toward better health for all.
