With the exodus of over 16,000 Nigerian doctors in the last seven years to seek better opportunities abroad, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has released figures showing that the country’s doctor-to-patient ratio is abysmally poor.
In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman; secretary-general, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim and publicity and social secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Ibrahim, the association said one medical doctor attends to 9,083 patients.
“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.
Describing the situation as “deeply troubling” NARD said such workload has dire consequences not only for patients’ care but also for the wellbeing of doctors themselves.”
“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?”
The statement directed all the resident doctors across the country to cease taking continuous calls beyond a twenty-four hour period with effect from October 1, 2025 (yesterday).
“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,” NARD said.
It also 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.
“They deserve not only protection but also fair and equitable remuneration commensurate with their inputs,” it said.
