The Digest:
Nigerian doctors are mourning the preventable death of Dr. Oluwafemi Rotifa, a resident doctor at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH). He reportedly collapsed and died after a demanding 72-hour continuous duty, a tragedy that highlights the severe understaffing and overwork in the country's healthcare system.
Key Points:
- Dr. Oluwafemi Rotifa, a resident doctor at RSUTH, has died after collapsing from a 72-hour continuous call duty.
- The doctor, fondly called Femoski, was reportedly awaiting placement abroad after being registered with the UK's General Medical Council.
- President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Dr. Tope Osundara, described the incident as a "painful death on duty" and a direct result of "overuse of manpower."
- NARD and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) have both called for urgent government action to address brain drain, poor welfare, and unsustainable work schedules.
- According to NARD, Nigeria’s doctor-to-patient ratio is 1:10,000, far below the WHO's recommendation of 1:600.
- Colleagues and friends paid tributes to Rotifa, a former medical student leader, describing him as diligent and selfless.
- The NMA described the death as "heartbreaking and unacceptable," insisting that it must lead to "massive improvement in the health sector."
Source: Vanguard
Resident Doctor Dies After '72-Hour Shift' in Rivers State
