The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, has warned that the country’s health system is under severe strain, with a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:19,083 — far below international standards. The association raised the concern in a statement marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.
NARD announced that, from October 1, 2025, resident doctors nationwide will no longer undertake continuous calls exceeding 24 hours. It stressed that the excessive workload contributes to burnout, rising medical errors, and declining doctor well-being. Many doctors, particularly young ones, have reportedly died under such conditions.
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The body also highlighted the mass exodus of medical professionals, with more than 16,000 leaving the country in recent years. It urged the Federal Ministry of Health to introduce a one-for-one replacement policy, enforce safeguards on call hours, and improve pay, describing those still serving in Nigeria as patriots and heroes.
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