NARD Pushes For 48-Hour Work Week And Compulsory Rest For Doctors

The National Association of Resident Doctors has proposed new regulations that would limit healthcare workers to a maximum of 48 working hours each week, including weekends.

The proposed framework also provides for compulsory rest periods after call duties and compensation for personnel who work beyond the approved hours.

NARD said the guidelines were developed following consultations with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and a nationwide assessment involving 6,350 healthcare personnel across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Under the proposal, regular daytime shifts would be restricted to eight hours, while afternoon shifts would be limited to six hours. Shifts exceeding 12 hours would only be allowed during emergencies.

Call duties would also be restricted to no more than two each week and one weekend call per month, with responsibilities shared fairly among eligible personnel.

Healthcare workers would be entitled to at least 12 hours of rest between regular shifts and a mandatory 24-hour break after weekday, weekend or public holiday call duties.

The guidelines also recommend a minimum one-hour break after six hours of continuous work, with hospitals expected to arrange the breaks in a way that does not interrupt patient care.

NARD said additional authorised working hours should be properly documented and compensated either through higher payments or structured time off.

The framework also provides protected periods for research and professional development to support the continued training of healthcare personnel.

NARD has forwarded the guidelines to medical directors and chief medical directors and urged hospital managements to begin taking steps towards compliance.

The association, however, said the proposed regulations will require the approval of the National Council on Health before they can fully take effect.