NARD laments poor doctor-to-patient ratio, says one doctor attends to 9,083 Nigerians
…says resident doctors would no longer take continuous calls beyond 24-hour period
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors on Wednesday said the poor doctor-to-patient ratio in Nigeria which stands at 1:9,083 negates global best practices.
This was contained in a statement issued on the country’s 65th Independence anniversary which was signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Ibrahim.
The association stated that resident doctors across the country would no longer take continuous calls beyond a 24-hour period, with effect from October 1, 2025, as the country has long struggled with shortage of doctors, worsened by a continuous brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate had also noted that over 16,000 Nigerian doctors have left the country in the last five to seven years, consequently resulting in increased workload on the few remaining doctors, with medical bodies warning of serious crisis if working conditions are not improved for doctors in the country.
The statement read: “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.
“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?”
NARD further announced that resident doctors across the country would no longer take continuous calls beyond a 24-hour period. “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”, it said.
NARD praised the few doctors remaining in Nigeria as heroes, stating that a one-to-one replacement policy to reduce the workload on doctors should be implemented by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
“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,” the statement added.
Reports say that the Nigerian health sector has consistently witnessed the exodus of doctors to more developed countries with better pay and improved working conditions.
This has been attributed to poor salaries, inadequate facilities, poor working conditions, insecurity and lack of job satisfaction in Nigeria.
Experts say the constant brain drain which is furthering a serious strain on the country’s health sector, needs to be addressed immediately in order to prevent dire consequences.
