On Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) sounded a grave alarm over the nation’s collapsing healthcare system. The association highlighted a staggering doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:19,083, a figure they described as drastically out of step with global best practices.
In a powerful statement jointly signed by President Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, Secretary-General Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity Secretary Dr. Abdulmajid Ibrahim, NARD announced a major policy shift: effective October 1, 2025, resident doctors nationwide will no longer engage in continuous call duties exceeding 24 hours.
The Crippling Burden of Overwork
Nigeria’s healthcare crisis is primarily fueled by a severe shortage of medical personnel, exacerbated by the relentless exodus of health professionals—the notorious “Japa” trend. The federal government has previously noted that over 16,000 Nigerian doctors have left the country in just the last five to seven years, putting immense pressure on remaining hospitals and training institutions.
This overwhelming drain of talent places a crushing burden on the doctors who stay, particularly resident doctors. NARD estimates that with a population exceeding 240 million and only about 11,000 resident doctors, the workload is unsustainable. The data is alarming:
- Nigerian resident doctors work an average of 106.5 hours per week.
- Surgical residents often endure over 122.7 hours weekly.
This translates, on average, to four to five days of continuous 24-hour call duty every week.
Patient Safety and Doctor Burnout at Risk
NARD insists that this brutal workload has dire consequences for both patient care and the well-being of the doctors themselves. “This situation is deeply troubling. It inevitably leads to increased medical errors due to burnout, endangering patients’ safety, while taking a severe toll on the mental, physical, and psychological well-being of doctors,” the association stated.
The tragic evidence is already mounting, with early-career doctors sometimes sacrificing their lives in service. The association posed two poignant questions to the nation: “Who cares for their families and dependents after their passing?” and “How many more lives must we lose before decisive action is taken?” NARD stressed that its members cannot continue to lose their lives to preventable and avoidable deaths.
Call for Urgent Reform and Recognition
NARD lauded the few doctors who have chosen to remain in Nigeria despite the mass emigration, recognizing them as true patriots and heroes. They argue these doctors deserve not only protection but also fair and equitable remuneration commensurate with their invaluable contributions.
The association called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to immediately implement a one-to-one replacement policy for departing staff. This measure, they argue, is necessary to mitigate the crushing workload. Furthermore, NARD demanded the establishment of safeguarding regulations to curb excessive call hours, ensuring the safety of both doctors and patients.
As Nigeria reflects on its national progress this Independence Day, NARD urges leaders to reflect on the sacrifices resident doctors are making, chief among them the burden of more than 24-hour uninterrupted calls and poor remuneration. This practice, the association concluded, demands urgent and fundamental reform.
