A major shake-up is coming for temporary medical jobs in Nigeria as a new policy seeks to stop hospitals from keeping doctors on short-term contracts indefinitely.
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has unveiled a proposed framework to regulate the way hospitals employ “locum” doctors — medical workers hired temporarily to fill staffing shortages.
Under the new arrangement, hospitals will no longer be allowed to keep temporary doctors on endless contracts.
Any initial locum appointment will last for a maximum of six months, while only one further six-month extension will be permitted.
After a doctor spends a continuous 12 months working in the same role, the position may become eligible for permanent employment.
The policy was developed following consultations involving the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and a committee set up to address concerns over casualisation and poor treatment of doctors.
NARD said the move is aimed at ensuring temporary healthcare workers are properly treated, fairly paid and protected from abuse.
Beyond contract limits, the policy introduces new rules on doctors’ working hours and welfare.
Under the proposed guidelines, healthcare workers should not work beyond 48 hours in a week, while extra hours must attract proper compensation.
The policy also places a ban on forcing doctors to remain on duty for more than 24 straight hours, including overnight call responsibilities.
Hospitals will be required to provide adequate rest periods, including at least 12 hours between shifts and a full day of rest after call duties.
Doctors who work continuously for six hours must also receive a one-hour break.
The new rules will limit call duties to two times weekly and one weekend call monthly, with hospitals expected to share such responsibilities fairly among medical staff.
The policy also addresses the issue of delayed salaries, directing that locum doctors must receive their monthly payments on time alongside payslips showing their earnings.
Temporary doctors will also be entitled to approved leave, public holidays and workplace insurance coverage.
Hospitals will be warned against using temporary appointments as a substitute for employing permanent medical staff or as a way to reduce labour costs by overworking doctors.
The guidelines further require hospitals to provide safe working conditions, proper call rooms, refreshments during long shifts and measures to prevent burnout among healthcare workers.
On disciplinary matters, any professional misconduct will be handled according to the rules of the relevant medical regulatory bodies.
Either the hospital or the doctor may end the contract with one month’s notice or payment instead of notice.
All outstanding benefits owed to the doctor must be cleared within 14 days after termination.
The policy also provides a channel for resolving disputes, starting from hospital-level processes before possible escalation to the health and labour ministries.
NARD said the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will monitor compliance to ensure institutions do not misuse temporary employment arrangements.
The association disclosed that the policy will take effect once it receives official approval from the ministry and will be reviewed two years after implementation.
Describing the development as a major victory for doctors’ welfare, NARD thanked the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and other officials involved in the process.
The association said the new rules represent a step towards protecting the rights, dignity and professional interests of Nigerian doctors, while awaiting consideration by the National Council on Health.
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