Former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki has expressed deep concern and shock over the revelation that medical doctors in Nigeria are working up to 100 hours per week. He conveyed his astonishment during a visit by officials of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Saturday, following the suspension of their recent strike.
Dr. Saraki, who is also a medical doctor, commended the doctors for their decision to end the strike and highlighted the alarming issue of doctors working excessively long hours. He noted that during his time as a young doctor, the maximum hours worked per week was 72, whereas the situation now poses significant dangers to both patients and medical practitioners.
Addressing the acute shortage of medical personnel, Saraki pointed out that many qualified doctors and nurses have left Nigeria to practice abroad. He emphasized that bureaucratic hurdles leading to delays in replacing departed medical professionals need immediate attention and resolution, as it is a crucial condition for resolving the strike.
Highlighting the issue of poor remuneration, Saraki called on both state and federal governments to address the problem, emphasizing that the resources available in Nigeria are substantial and should be allocated more generously to healthcare personnel. He contrasted the situation with countries like Gambia, stressing that the premium placed on medical personnel’s remuneration needs improvement.
Drawing from his experience as a former governor and Senate President, Saraki emphasized that building large hospitals and acquiring advanced medical equipment without an adequate number of qualified personnel is a misplaced priority. He urged stakeholders at various levels, including policymakers, government officials, NGOs, development partners, and civil society groups, to collaborate and urgently address the exodus of doctors and nurses from the country.
Dr. Saraki praised the dedication and patriotism of doctors who continue to work under challenging conditions, recognizing their contributions to the healthcare system. He concluded by underscoring the need for collective efforts to improve the welfare of medical professionals and ensure the stability of Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
