How Resident Doctor Oluwafemi Rotifa Died at RSUTH — NMA Speaks Out
The Nigeria Medical Association NMA refutes media claims that Dr Oluwafemi Rotifa died after a 72 hour shift .Instead he was resting in the call room due to illness .This article outlines the corrected timeline NMA response system pressures and the nationwide reaction .
Overview
On September 6 2025 the Nigeria Medical Association NMA in Rivers State issued a clarification regarding the death of Dr Oluwafemi Rotifa a resident doctor at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital RSUTH .Contrary to earlier media reports that he collapsed after a continuous 72 hour shift the NMA stated that Rotifa was not on duty at the time of his death .He had been unwell was medically excused and chose to rest in the hospital call room where his body was later discovered .
Background Initial Reports and Public Reaction
Shortly after the tragedy several media outlets reported that Dr Rotifa had been the only doctor on duty in RSUTH emergency unit and collapsed from exhaustion after three straight days of work .The story spread quickly across the country and sparked outrage over what was described as the deadly toll of overwork in Nigeria failing healthcare system .
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The president of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors Dr Tope Osundara described the death as preventable and linked it to staff shortages and overwhelming workloads .Colleagues across Nigeria expressed grief and anger stressing that young doctors are being pushed beyond human limits in the service of patients .
NMA Clarification The Real Circumstances
To address the controversy NMA spokesperson Siene Orogun explained that Dr Rotifa was not on active duty the night he passed .He had been unwell for several days and was undergoing treatment for malaria .After an initial injection he later began administering intravenous quinine to himself when his condition did not improve .
Despite being advised by family to return home Rotifa chose to stay in the hospital call room close to colleagues and within reach of care if needed .On the evening before his death he reportedly ate socialized with fellow doctors and watched football. Around 2 a.m. colleagues returned to check on him and found him lifeless .
The NMA stressed that if he had collapsed while on duty other staff would have witnessed the incident .The association made it clear that reports of a 72 hour shift were inaccurate and risked distorting the facts .
Healthcare System Strain Underlying Causes
Even though the NMA corrected the immediate narrative Dr Rotifa death highlighted the broader crisis in Nigeria healthcare sector .The country is struggling with severe shortages of medical professionals with a ratio of one doctor to roughly 10000 patients compared to the World Health Organization recommendation of one doctor to 600 patients .
Doctors in Nigeria continue to face low pay poor working conditions and heavy patient loads which lead to burnout .Many are leaving the country in search of better opportunities which worsens the shortage at home .
Both NARD and NMA repeated their calls for systemic reform .They urged the government to improve staff welfare enforce regulated working hours and invest in better healthcare infrastructure .NMA Vice President Benjamin Olowojebutu described the incident as heartbreaking and unacceptable and called for urgent action to prevent future tragedies .
The Human Story Dr Rotifa Life and Legacy
Beyond the numbers the death of Dr Rotifa was a deeply personal loss to many .He was remembered as diligent selfless and full of promise .He had once served as president of the Port Harcourt University Medical Students Association and had already completed his registration with the United Kingdom General Medical Council as he prepared to relocate abroad .
Classmates colleagues and mentors paid heartfelt tributes .They recalled his dedication to medicine his kindness and his commitment to his patients .His sudden passing just as his career was gaining momentum was seen as a devastating loss .Dr Rotifa was laid to rest on September 5 2025 .
Conclusion A Call for Change
While the NMA has clarified that Dr Rotifa was not working a 72 hour shift the incident has reignited urgent calls for healthcare reform in Nigeria .His death underscores the fragile state of the system where doctors whether on duty or recovering from illness remain at risk because of poor structures .
Dr Oluwafemi Rotifa death is both a personal tragedy and a national wake up call .To honor his legacy Nigeria must commit to meaningful reforms that protect the health and wellbeing of those who dedicate their lives to saving others .