The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Wednesday raised alarm over the country’s dire doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:9,083, a figure it described as far below international standards. In a statement released to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, the association announced that beginning October 1, 2025, resident doctors nationwide will no longer be compelled to work continuous shifts beyond 24 hours. The communiqué was jointly signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Ibrahim.
Nigeria’s healthcare system has for years grappled with an acute shortage of doctors, worsened by the mass migration of medical professionals seeking better opportunities abroad. According to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, more than 16,000 Nigerian doctors have left the country in the past five to seven years. This exodus has placed immense strain on those left behind, particularly resident doctors who form the backbone of tertiary medical care.
NARD stressed that with an estimated population of over 240 million and only about 11,000 resident doctors, the imbalance is unsustainable. On average, resident doctors work 106.5 hours per week, while surgical residents endure over 122.7 hours weekly—equivalent to four to five days of 24-hour calls. The association warned that such extreme workloads jeopardize both the quality of patient care and the physical and mental well-being of doctors, further compounding the health crisis.
It noted, “This situation is deeply troubling. It inevitably leads to increased medical errors due to burnout, endangering patients’ safety, with a 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 price. But the painful question remains: Who cares for their families and dependents after their passing? The bigger question is, “How many more lives must we lose before decisive action is taken?”
In announcing the new directive, NARD stated, “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.”
The association called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to implement a one-to-one replacement policy to reduce the crushing workload on doctors and to establish safeguarding regulations to curb excessive call hours, ensuring the safety of both doctors and patients.
NARD also emphasized that the few doctors who remained in Nigeria despite mass emigration were patriots and heroes. “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."
Chief among these are the burden of more than 24 hours of uninterrupted calls and poor remuneration, a practice that demands urgent reform.
“We cannot continue to lose our members to preventable and avoidable deaths, not now, and not in the future.
“Finally, NARD extends warm wishes to all Nigerians on the 65th Anniversary of our Independence. May Nigeria succeed.”
