The death of Dr. Oluwafemi Rotifa after a 72-hour shift has intensified calls for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s collapsing healthcare system.
The death of Dr. Oluwafemi Rotifa, a resident doctor at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), after collapsing during a 72-hour shift has triggered outrage and renewed calls for reform in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
Rotifa, a former medical students’ leader and UK-licensed physician, reportedly worked as the only doctor in the Emergency Room before his collapse. Advocacy groups say the tragedy highlights systemic failures, chronic understaffing, and unsafe working conditions.
“This is not an isolated tragedy,” said Ayo Adebusoye, chairman of PHSAI. “The government must act now to prevent further loss of life.”
Leaders of the Nigerian Medical Association and resident doctors’ association described the case as a “death on duty,” blaming excessive workloads.
Rotifa’s passing follows similar deaths of young doctors in recent years, fueling anger and demands for urgent action. Advocacy groups are pushing for emergency recruitment, better pay, enforceable rest periods, and stronger health infrastructure.