The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has 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 yesteday, 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.
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.”
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