Resident doctors across Nigeria have walked out, leaving hospitals struggling and families desperate.
As a result, waiting rooms overflow, and anxious relatives cling to hope while patients wait longer each day.
Resident Doctors Strike
For example, at a Rivers State hospital, a mother sat with her teenage son for six hours before staff told her to return the next day.
“There was only one doctor on duty,” she said.
“He looked more tired than the patients themselves.”
Rising Risks And Hidden Costs
Meanwhile, health expert Stephanie Omoarebun warns the strike exposes deeper problems in the system.
“When junior doctors take senior roles, errors become more likely,” she explained.
“Experience matters more than skill.”
Furthermore, she pointed out that the strike drives hidden economic costs, such as rising private hospital fees and long-term patient complications.
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NARD president Mohammad Suleiman added that some resident doctors work over 100 hours weekly without pay.
Consequently, he said, “A burnt-out doctor cannot provide accurate, life-saving care,” highlighting severe risks.
Investigations show locked pharmacies, empty wards, and mortuaries operating at full capacity across the country.
Calls For Urgent Reform
Therefore, resident doctors insist the government must honour the Collective Bargaining Agreement immediately.
Although officials have held three conciliatory meetings, the government has yet to sign the Memorandum of Understanding.
While authorities have begun paying some salary arrears, 40% of doctors still have not received theirs.
Experts urge the government to implement emergency measures and long-term reforms to prevent further collapse.
Specifically, safe work hours, structured training, and fair pay will protect both doctors and patients.
For now, Nigerians wait, hoping the health system survives before more lives slip away.
