The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced a drastic measure to combat severe workload and burnout, stating that effective immediately, October 1, 2025, resident doctors nationwide will no longer take continuous calls exceeding 24 hours.
The directive, issued on Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, is a direct response to the nation’s abysmal doctor-to-patient ratio and the devastating impact of medical brain drain.
A System Under Catastrophic Strain
NARD, in a statement signed by its executive members, including President Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, decried the current doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:9,083, a figure “far from global best practice.” This crisis has been severely worsened by the mass exodus of health professionals:
- Brain Drain: The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, confirmed that over 16,000 Nigerian doctors have left the country in the last five to seven years.
- Crushing Workload: The approximately 11,000 remaining resident doctors bear the brunt of this shortage, often working an average of 106.5 hours per week, with surgical residents enduring over 122.7 hours weekly—equating to four to five days of continuous 24-hour call duty per week.
The Price of Overwork
NARD warned that this relentless schedule has dire consequences for both patient safety and doctors’ well-being.
“This situation is deeply troubling. It inevitably leads to increased medical errors due to burnout, endangering patient safety, with severe toll on the mental, physical, and psychological well-being of doctors.”
The association emphasized the human cost of this sacrifice: “Too often, resident doctors sacrifice their health, and sometimes their lives in service to their patients… The bigger question is: How many more lives must we lose before decisive action is taken?”
NARD’s Directive and Demands
To enforce self-preservation, NARD declared the ban on calls exceeding 24 hours, demanding a mandatory call-free period after every call duty.
“This decision is not just necessary but vital, in line with the principles of self-preservation enshrined in the Hippocratic Oath,” the association stated.
NARD also issued a clear call to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, urging the immediate implementation of two key policies:
- A one-to-one replacement policy for every departing doctor to reduce the crushing workload.
- The establishment of safeguarding regulations to curb excessive call hours and ensure the safety of both doctors and patients.
The association concluded by praising the remaining doctors as “patriots and heroes,” stressing they deserve fair and equitable remuneration and protection from preventable deaths. “If we do not safeguard ourselves, who will?” NARD asked.
For marketing and advertising, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]
