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One doctor attends to 9,083 Nigerians, NARD laments

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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.

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“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.

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“Finally, NARD extends warm wishes to all Nigerians on the 65th Anniversary of our Independence. May Nigeria succeed.”

punch.ng

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US Deports Nigerians, See Full List

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The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the names of 24 Nigerians arrested by immigration authorities over various alleged criminal offences as the  government continues its deportation campaign.

The Nigerians were arrested in different locations across the United States by officers of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to information published by the department.

The offences linked to the individuals include mail and wire fraud, money laundering, drug-related  crimes, identity theft, assault, forgery, weapons offences and cruelty towards a child.

DHS in a statement on Sunday said the publication was part of its efforts to draw attention to foreign nationals with criminal records who have been arrested by immigration enforcement officers.

The department also stated that the arrests formed part of the administration’s broader plan to remove immigrants targeted by its enforcement operations, including individuals it considers high-priority cases.

“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the department said.

According to the list released by the US authorities, the 24 Nigerians were apprehended in several states, including Texas, Virginia, New Jersey, Indiana, Georgia, Mississippi, Illinois, Wisconsin, Maryland, Washington, Pennsylvania, Florida, California, Utah and New York.

The individuals and the offences listed against them are as follows.

  • Emmanuel Omowaiye was arrested in Richmond, Texas, over mail fraud, while Laurene Onwuka was apprehended in Chantilly, Virginia, over fraud and impersonation.
  • Olusegun Shonekan was arrested in Newark, New Jersey, in connection with wire fraud, while Olusegun Olaseni was apprehended in Greencastle, Indiana, over the sale of amphetamine.
  • Peter Ude was arrested in Atlanta, Georgia, over wire fraud. Newton Jemide was apprehended in Fort Dix, New Jersey, over wire fraud, conspiracy and mail fraud.
  • Shedrack Umukoro was arrested in Yazoo City, Mississippi, over money laundering, while Olasoji Akinbode was apprehended in Kearny, New Jersey, over fraud and impersonation.
  • Oluwatosin Afolabi was arrested in Conroe, Texas, over fraud, while Alameen Adetunji Tokosi was apprehended in Chicago, Illinois, over drug possession.
  • Joshua Ipoade was arrested in Atlanta, Georgia, over wire fraud. Michael Orji, who was apprehended in Oxford, Wisconsin, was listed for alleged offences involving weapons, fraud, identity theft, wire fraud, false claims of citizenship and money laundering.
  • Ahmadu Apooyin was arrested in Baltimore, Maryland, over a drug-related offence, while Teslim Kiriji was apprehended in Yazoo City, Mississippi, over money laundering.
  • Onomen Uduebor was arrested in Seattle, Washington, over identity theft. Charles Ochi and Daniel Eta were both apprehended in White Deer, Pennsylvania, over money laundering and wire fraud, respectively.
  • Ifeanyi Ibennah was arrested in Tampa, Florida, over alleged cruelty towards a child, while Kazeem Runsewe was apprehended in Thomson, Illinois, over wire fraud.
  • Fatiu Lawal was arrested in Lompoc, California, over wire fraud, while Justin Akubueze was apprehended in Orem, Utah, over money laundering.
  • Moyinoluwaseun Okeowo was arrested in Orlando, Florida, over larceny, forgery and concealing stolen property. Babajide Oluwaseun Faseyi was apprehended in Alden, New York, over assault.
  • Bright Eigbedion was the final Nigerian on the list and was arrested in Lompoc, California, over money laundering.
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Source: dockaysworld.com.ng

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US roller coaster ‘incident’ kills one, injures several

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One person was killed and several were injured after an “incident” on a roller coaster at a theme park in the US state of Georgia on Monday, officials said.

Officials did not confirm how the person died or how the others were injured in the incident at Six Flags Over Georgia.

Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa Cupid said detectives from the county’s major crimes unit were investigating what happened.

Cupid said one person had died and others were injured, adding that next of kin had been notified.

“A terrible tragedy occurred today at Six Flags Over Georgia,” Cupid said in a statement.

“I cannot imagine the horror the patrons and employees witnessed today, and my heart aches for the family who lost a loved one,” she said.

A Six Flags spokesperson told US media that the park and local authorities responded immediately and that they were fully cooperating with local officials.

“We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today,” the spokesperson said.

Theme park operator Six Flags, which has properties throughout North America, has temporarily closed nine similar rollercoasters across six parks “out of an abundance of caution”.

Officials did not specify which ride was involved in the incident in Georgia, but local media identified it as the Goliath roller coaster.

The roller coaster reaches top speeds of 70 miles per hour (113 kmh) and heights of 200 feet (61 meters), according to the park’s website.

The incident comes after Six Flags decided last month to permanently shut down a popular roller coaster in its California theme park after dozens of people claimed to have suffered brain damage while riding it.

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AFP

Source: punchng.com

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FG seeks arrest of suspect in attack on Ogun FMC worker

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The Federal Government has called on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately arrest and prosecute the suspect who allegedly stabbed a health worker at the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, made the call in a statement issued on Monday night by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Salako condemned the reported stabbing of Mr Lawal Olasunkanmi, a medical laboratory scientist at the hospital, describing the attack as “barbaric and unacceptable”.

“No grief, frustration or dissatisfaction with care can justify violence against a health worker performing his lawful duties.”

The minister said the ministry would follow the case to ensure that the alleged assailant was brought to justice.

He said the incident reinforced the urgency of implementing measures directed by the ministry on Aug. 5, to strengthen the protection of health workers in federal tertiary health institutions.

According to him, the measures include strengthened security arrangements, violence-prevention teams, incident reporting, collaboration with law-enforcement agencies and improved complaint-handling procedures.

“These safeguards must translate into effective protection for health personnel across health facilities,” he said.

Salako also appealed to health workers, who had embarked on industrial action at FMC Abeokuta to return to work immediately in the interest of patients and the wider public.

He urged the workers to allow security authorities to carry out their duties and pursue the investigation.

The minister further urged the hospital management to ensure that the injured staff member received appropriate medical care and support while strengthening security arrangements in line with Federal Government directives.

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He extended the government’s condolences to the family of the deceased patient, stressing that the loss of a loved one deserved compassion and appropriate attention.

Salako urged anyone dissatisfied with the care received at the hospital to use its formal complaints mechanism.

He said that such concerns could be examined fairly and addressed on their merits without recourse to violence.

The minister reiterated that protecting health workers was essential to safe and uninterrupted healthcare delivery.

According to him, health facilities must remain safe environments where personnel can perform their duties without fear of violence and patients and their families can seek care with confidence.

NAN

Source: punchng.com

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