By Omoyeni Ojeifo
The breakthrough follows years of negotiations and industrial actions by NARD over welfare, remuneration, residency training and other conditions affecting resident doctors across the country.
Under the new framework, doctors will be entitled to mandatory 24-hour post-call rest, while continuous duty will be capped at 24 hours, inclusive of call duty.
The association has repeatedly raised concerns over prolonged shifts, inadequate rest, manpower shortages, burnout and the implications of these challenges for doctors and patient safety.
The new framework emerged from deliberations by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare,(FMoHSW), ministerial Committee on Work Hour Regulation and Casualization of Doctors.
According to a statement signed by NARD’s Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, obtained by PerSecondNews, the committee conducted a comprehensive nationwide assessment involving 6,350 healthcare personnel.
NARD noted that the assessment covered the six geopolitical zones, with findings demonstrating the urgent need to address excessive work hours, burnout, fatigue and inadequate rest.
It said the findings also highlighted the associated risks to healthcare workers and patient safety.
“Under the recommended National Policy on Work Hour Regulation for Health Institutions in Nigeria, healthcare personnel shall work a maximum of 48 hours per week, including weekends. Any authorized excess hours shall be appropriately compensated.
“Day shift: 8 hours maximum. Afternoon shift: 6 hours maximum. Extended shifts exceeding 12 hours shall be limited to emergency situations only,” it stated.
The policy recommends a maximum of two call duties per week, including weekend calls, with calls equitably distributed among eligible personnel.
“Weekend call duties will be limited to one per month, while there shall be an absolute maximum of 24 continuous hours of duty, inclusive of call duty.”
The framework provides for a minimum of 12 hours between regular shifts and mandatory 24-hour post-call rest following weekday, Saturday, Sunday and public holiday calls.
“A minimum one-hour break after six hours of continuous work, including shift and call duties, shall also be provided, with breaks appropriately staggered to ensure uninterrupted patient care”, it added.
NARD said call duties shall not exceed two per week and one weekend call per month, with equitable distribution among eligible healthcare personnel.
“Authorised excess work hours must be properly documented and adequately compensated above the normal hourly rate, or appropriately balanced through structured time-off, and should not be abused by institutions”.
The policy further recommends protected time for research and professional development for healthcare personnel in all institutions.
Such time will be subject to approval by the appropriate National or Institutional Health Research and Ethics Committee.
“The recommendations are without prejudice to the stipulated maximum shift, call and rest durations, particularly in genuine emergency situations,” NARD Stated.
It said exceptional arrangements may be required where patient safety and continuity of care demand them.
The association said the recommended guidelines have been forwarded to all Medical Directors and Chief Medical Directors for implementation across all health institutions.
Hospital managements and Heads of Departments are expected to take appropriate steps towards full compliance with the guidelines.
NARD also strongly urged all Centre Leaderships to engage their respective managements and follow up on implementation.
Members were advised to remain vigilant, document cases of non-compliance and channel legitimate concerns through their centre leadership for necessary action by NARD.
The association said it awaits the release of a second document addressing casualization and abusive locum appointments.
NARD, led by its Strategic P-MUS, Garkuwan Matasan Arewa, expressed appreciation to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammad Ali Pate, for the approval.
It also gave special appreciation to the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziak Adekunle Salako, for his guidance and direction in seeing the process through.
The association commended its representatives on the committee, particularly Dr. Kwarshak Kevin Yakubu, NARD’s Vice-President II, and Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, the Secretary General, for a job well done.
NARD said it was particularly proud of the accomplishment, describing it as proof of what could be achieved when members came together as a team.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the dignity, welfare, rights and professional interests of every Nigerian doctor, and expressed hope that the National Council on Health would also give its stamp of approval to the policy.
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