Tears as Young Doctor Who Collapsed After 72-Hour Shift Laid to Rest in Port Harcourt

The remains of Dr. Oluwafemi Rotifa, a 28-year-old resident doctor at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), have been laid to rest at the Port Harcourt cemetery.

Rotifa reportedly collapsed after working a 72-hour shift without rest, a development that has sparked grief and outrage across Nigeria’s health sector.

The young doctor, who once served as president of the Port Harcourt University Medical Students’ Association (PUMSA), was widely respected by colleagues and students alike.

In response to the tragedy, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

The case has reignited conversations around the working conditions of medical practitioners in Nigeria, with many demanding urgent reforms to protect doctors from burnout.

Photos from the burial, held on Friday, September 5, 2025, have since surfaced online, showing family, friends, and colleagues in tears as they bade farewell to the young medic.

Rotifa’s death continues to stir emotional reactions nationwide, highlighting the sacrifices and risks faced by frontline health workers.