Nigerian Healthcare System in Crisis, Says ARD President UITH

The President of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) chapter, Monsuru Awodun, has expressed grave concern over the deteriorating state of Nigeria's healthcare system.

Awodun made this statement at a news conference in Ilorin, Kwara State, during the 42nd Annual General Meeting and Sir Ademola Aderibigbe Scientific Conference, 2025.

According to Awodun, many departments at UITH are functioning with less than half of the required workforce, leading to increased patient loads and decreased service delivery. He also highlighted the alarming rate at which skilled resident doctors are resigning or relocating abroad in search of better working conditions .

Awodun attributed the crisis to poor remuneration, inconsistencies in salaries, and inadequate hazard allowances. He emphasized that the situation is not unique to UITH, as many tertiary hospitals across Nigeria face similar manpower shortages.

The ARD president called for the implementation of safer and more manageable call-hour policies, prioritizing the safety of healthcare workers and patients. He also urged the government to address the downgrading of membership certificates, which undermines years of rigorous postgraduate training.

This statement comes amid an ongoing nationwide strike by resident doctors, who are demanding better working conditions and improved healthcare policies.