Yemi Obafemi
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a distress call over the critically low ratio of doctors to patients and the crushing workload placed on its members.
The association stated that Nigerian resident doctors work an average of 106.5 hours per week, with those in surgical specialties enduring even longer, at over 122.7 hours weekly. This translates to doctors being on 24-hour call duty for an average of four to five days every week.
The call was made in a statement signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Ibrahim on the occasion of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.
It said all resident doctors across the country shall cease taking continuous calls beyond a twenty-four hour period, With effect from October 1, 2025.
The statement reads: With an estimated population of over 240 million people and only about 11,000 resident doctors, Nigeria records a ratio of 1:9,083. This is far from global best practice.
“Furthermore, Nigerian resident doctors work an average of 106.5 hours per week, with surgical residents enduring over 122.7 hours weekly. This translates to an average of four to five days of 24-hour call duty per week.”
“With effect from October 1, 2025, all resident doctors across the country shall cease taking continuous calls beyond a twenty-four hour period. There must be a call free period after every call. This decision is not just necessary but vital, in line with the principles of self-preservation enshrined in the Hippocratic Oath.”
“This situation is deeply troubling. It inevitably leads to increased medical errors due to burnout, endangering patients safety, with severe toll on the mental, physical, and psychological well-being of doctors. Too often, resident doctors sacrifice their health, and sometimes their lives in service to their patients.
“The consequences are tragically evident with early career doctors paying the ultimate prices. But the painful question remains: Who cares for their families and dependants after their passing? The bigger question is: How many more lives must we lose before decisive action is taken?”
“They deserve not only protection but also fair and equitable remuneration commensurate with their inputs. If we do not safeguard ourselves, who will? On this day when Nigeria celebrates its independence and national progress, let us also reflect on the sacrifices resident doctors continue to make and the grave challenges they face.
“We cannot continue to lose our members to preventable and avoidable deaths — not now, and not in the future.”
The Association is urging the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to create safeguarding regulations. This measure is intended to limit excessive on-call hours for doctors, thereby reducing their overwhelming workload and ultimately improving the safety of both doctors and patients.
In a separate action, NARD took to its official X handle to specifically call out the work conditions at the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja.
The association demanded that the hospital, its Chief Medical Director (CMD), and the Head of Department (HOD) of Orthopaedics immediately review and remove the “impossible rosters” of Dr. Yomi and Dr. Victor, who are allegedly “working every single day without true rest.”
It said: “Resident doctors are not slaves. Dr. Yomi and Dr. Victor, like many of their colleagues across Nigeria, are the backbone of our health system.
“Yet, they are subjected to impossible rosters, working every single day without true rest. This is unsustainable, inhumane, and dangerous—both to the doctors and to the patients they serve.
“How can these young doctors remain healthy and mentally stable enough to pass their exams under such conditions? Who will care for their families should tragedy strike from overwork and burnout?
“The Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja, its CMD, and the HOD of Orthopaedics must immediately review these rosters and prioritize welfare.
” Beyond this, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare must act decisively to ensure resident doctors across Nigeria are treated with dignity, given fair working conditions, and supported to thrive.
“Nigeria can, and must, do better. The future of our healthcare depends on it.”
