Nigerian doctors are mourning the death of Dr. Oluwafemi Rotifa, a young resident doctor at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), who collapsed and died after working a grueling 72-hour call duty.
Dr. Rotifa, fondly known as Femoski, was a former President of the Port Harcourt University Medical Students’ Association and had registered with the UK’s General Medical Council, awaiting placement abroad.
The incident has sparked widespread concern, with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) describing it as both preventable and a reflection of the country’s collapsing health system.
According to NARD President Dr. Tope Osundara, Dr. Rotifa was overworked, leading to his death on duty.
Dr. Osundara lamented the burnout and brain drain plaguing Nigeria’s health sector, with thousands of doctors emigrating for better opportunities.
The death of Dr. Rotifa highlights the dire working conditions faced by doctors in Nigeria. Many are overworked, underpaid, and poorly motivated, leading to a cycle of needless deaths.
Dr. Osundara emphasized that the consequences extend beyond doctors to patients, who suffer from poor care and long waiting times.
Dr. Osundara called on the government to urgently support Dr. Rotifa’s family and overhaul the healthcare system. He stressed the need for improved remuneration, staff replacement, and humane work schedules to prevent further tragedies.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) also condemned the death, describing it as heartbreaking and unacceptable.
Nigeria’s healthcare system is facing a massive brain drain, with many doctors leaving for better opportunities abroad. Those who remain are stretched thin, often working double or triple shifts without rest.
This has severe consequences for patients, who receive suboptimal care due to doctor burnout.
The incident underscores the need for urgent reforms to address staff shortages, improve welfare packages, and enforce humane work schedules for doctors.
The government must take immediate action to prevent further tragedies and ensure quality healthcare for Nigerians.
