The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a directive effective today, October 1, 2025, instructing its members to cease engaging in continuous call duties exceeding 24 hours. The move aims to safeguard doctors’ health and enhance patient safety, according to NARD President Dr. Mohammad Suleiman.
In an exclusive interview on Tuesday, Dr. Suleiman highlighted the toll of marathon call schedules on resident doctors, describing them as unsustainable and detrimental to both doctors and patients. “For too long, resident doctors in Nigeria have been overstretched with marathon call hours that compromise service delivery,” he said. “From today, our members will no longer engage in more than 24 consecutive hours of call duty. Marathon call rosters are not tenable because doctors will make mistakes, collapse, or even die.”
NARD has called on its members to reject rosters scheduling back-to-back 24-hour calls, emphasizing the need for rest after a 24-hour shift. Suleiman urged the Federal Government, particularly the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, to establish clear, healthy call roster guidelines to prevent excessive workloads. “A doctor is only allowed to be on a straight 24-hour call once. After those 24 hours, he should rest,” he stated, noting that consecutive 24-hour shifts for weeks or months are unacceptable.
The directive does not mean doctors will refuse call duties altogether. “We are not saying we are not taking calls. This is our job, and we are delighted to do it, but we will not take it beyond 24 hours,” Suleiman clarified. He stressed the importance of rest for doctors to maintain their well-being, suggesting activities like spending time with loved ones or engaging in leisure to recharge.
The decision comes in the wake of a tragic incident in Rivers State, where a young doctor reportedly died after three consecutive days on call. Found dead in a call room, the doctor’s death underscored the dangers of excessive workloads. “Even if that is not the direct cause of death, it is a remote contributing factor,” Suleiman said, emphasizing the reality of burnout.
Suleiman also noted that call duties are only part of doctors’ responsibilities, which include managing inpatients, administering medications, and running clinics. “It is not as if you are on call and stop all other work,” he added.
NARD’s directive marks a significant step toward addressing the grueling schedules faced by resident doctors, with the association calling for systemic changes to ensure safer working conditions and better patient care.
