…Directs Resident Doctors Nationwide to Stop Extended Duty Hours
As Nigeria marked her 65th Independence anniversary, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors,NARD,has announced a major policy shift, directing its members nationwide to stop taking continuous calls beyond 24 hours.
The association described the practice of extended duty shifts as a “silent killer” that has claimed the lives of many young doctors in the country.
In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity/Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajeed Yahya Ibrahim, NARD said the decision was taken at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and takes effect immediately from October 1, 2025.
The association explained that while the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:600, Nigeria operates at a disturbing 1:9,083 ratio, with over 240 million people served by just 11,000 resident doctors.
It noted that resident doctors in Nigeria work an average of 106.5 hours per week, with surgical residents putting in 122.7 hours weekly — the equivalent of four to five days of uninterrupted 24-hour calls.
NARD said the implications of these excessive hours include severe burnout, high rates of medical errors, and devastating consequences on doctors’ mental, physical, and psychological health.
“Too often, resident doctors sacrifice their health — and sometimes their lives — in service to their patients. But the painful question remains: Who cares for their families and dependents after their passing?” the association asked.
The group lamented that several early-career doctors had died under these conditions and warned that unless urgent reforms were implemented, more lives would be lost.
The association called on the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Health, to implement a one-to-one replacement policy to reduce doctors’ workload and establish safeguarding regulations to limit excessive call hours and protect both doctors and patients.
NARD further argued that resident doctors who have remained in the country despite the mass exodus of healthcare professionals deserve to be regarded as patriots and heroes, and must be fairly remunerated.
“On this day of national celebration, we must reflect on the sacrifices of resident doctors who continue to bear crushing burdens. The demand for more than 24-hour uninterrupted calls, coupled with poor remuneration, is unsustainable and must end,” the statement added.
The doctors reaffirmed their commitment to service but insisted that their health and safety must no longer be compromised.
The statement congratulated Nigerians on the nation’s 65th Independence anniversary, praying for progress and prosperity.
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