The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors on Wednesday decried the country’s poor doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:9,083, describing it as far from global best practice.

In a press statement issued on Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, the association announced that with effect from today, October 1, 2025, resident doctors across the country will no longer take continuous calls beyond 24 hours.

The statement was signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Ibrahim.

Nigeria has long struggled with a shortage of doctors, worsened by a steady exodus of health professionals seeking better pay and working conditions abroad.

According to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, over 16,000 Nigerian doctors have left the country in the last five to seven years to seek greener pastures in other countries.

The consequence is a crushing workload on those who remain, especially resident doctors who form the backbone of Nigeria’s tertiary healthcare system.

Medical associations have repeatedly warned that unless conditions improve, more doctors will continue to leave, worsening the crisis.

The association said, “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.”

According to NARD, this workload has dire consequences not only for patient care but also for the wellbeing of doctors themselves.

It noted, “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?”

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 emphasised that the few doctors who remained in Nigeria despite mass emigration were patriots and heroes.

It said, “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 a 24-hour 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.”

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