The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a warning against the growing misuse of the title “doctor” in the health sector, stressing that the trend promotes quackery and poses serious risks to public safety.
The warning follows a recent decision by the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) to rename the role of physician associates amid concerns that the title creates confusion among patients. A review in the UK found that the use of the term “doctor” by non-medically trained personnel has led to widespread misunderstanding and has the potential to erode public trust in the medical profession.
Speaking in a statement released on Friday, Dr. Tope Osundara, President of NARD, said the UK’s move validates the association’s ongoing public awareness campaign in Nigeria, aimed at curbing the misuse of the title “doctor” by individuals who are not medically qualified.
“While NARD strongly supports the growth and contributions of all healthcare professionals, we cannot condone any practice that deepens confusion or dysfunction within our healthcare system,” Osundara stated.
He described the indiscriminate use of the title as a dangerous trend that compromises patient safety and contributes to the rising incidence of quackery in the country.
“It is particularly concerning that some proponents of the expanded use of the title—often citing foreign examples—are now grappling with the fallout of such ambiguity. We urge for greater caution and responsible dialogue going forward,” he said.
Osundara noted that preserving the clear identity of medically trained doctors is essential for the structural integrity of the healthcare system and the protection of Nigerian lives.
“The referenced UK decision highlights a troubling pattern of harm and even fatalities caused by unqualified individuals using the ‘Dr’ title to provide clinical care,” he added.
The NARD president emphasized the association’s responsibility to keep the public informed and to promote ethical standards within the healthcare community. He also called on all healthcare workers to act with integrity and avoid exploiting the public’s confusion for professional gain.
“It is misleading to portray our call for clarity as hostility toward other healthcare professionals. NARD remains committed to collaboration, transparency, and the highest standards of patient care,” Osundara said.
