Nigerian Doctor Dies After 72-Hour Shift, Colleagues Demand Justice
A Nigerian doctor has died after reportedly working non-stop for 72 hours, sparking outrage and renewed calls for reform in the country’s health sector.
The tragic story was shared by a medical professional known as The Bearded Dr. Sina on X (formerly Twitter), who revealed that the late doctor a surgery resident who had just begun post-NYSC had requested medical leave but was denied.
According to Sina, the young doctor endured extreme work hours under a toxic system, and after finally taking a short rest, he passed away.
“A doctor was overworked in an inconsiderate, toxic system. He was denied time to rest and forced to work for 72 hours. While resting afterward, he was said to have later died,” Sina wrote.
He emphasized that the case reflects the dire reality of many doctors in Nigeria and beyond, who are subjected to inhumane working conditions during residency training.
Sina demanded urgent government intervention and accountability from health stakeholders, stressing that the death should not be swept aside.
