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Patient guide

How Do I Speak to a Licensed Nigerian Doctor Over the Phone?

By Medtrix Editorial Team · Medically reviewed by Medtrix Clinical Review Board · 28 April 2026 · 4 min read

You have three reliable ways to reach an MDCN-registered Nigerian doctor by phone today: a USSD shortcode you can dial from any handset, a web booking on medtrix.io, or a mobile app. The right choice depends on whether you have internet and how urgently you need to talk.

Option 1: USSD shortcode (no internet needed)

From any Nigerian phone — smart or basic, MTN/Airtel/Glo/9mobile — dial *9010#.

  1. Choose “Book a doctor”.
  2. Pick a specialty (general, mental health, paediatrics, chronic care, sexual health, urgent).
  3. Confirm your details (saved after first use).
  4. Pay through the SMS link with card, bank transfer, or USSD bank code.
  5. The next available verified doctor calls you back — usually within 5–15 minutes.

USSD is the right choice for older relatives, anyone outside good 4G coverage, and anyone who doesn't want to download an app.

Option 2: Web (medtrix.io)

If you have internet and want to choose your specific doctor, the web flow is best:

  1. Go to medtrix.io and create an account with your phone number.
  2. Browse doctor profiles — you'll see their photo, MDCN folio number, specialties, languages spoken, and consultation fee.
  3. Pick “Now” for an on-demand call or a specific time slot for a scheduled call.
  4. Pay with Flutterwave (card, transfer, or USSD).
  5. The doctor calls your registered phone number at the agreed time.

Option 3: Mobile app

For frequent users — especially patients with chronic conditions — the mobile app adds appointment reminders, medication trackers, and your full consultation history offline. Same booking flow as web, plus push notifications when the doctor is about to call.

How to be sure your doctor is licensed

Every doctor on Medtrix is verified against the MDCN register before they accept their first consultation. You can see the folio number on each doctor's profile. To independently verify any doctor in Nigeria, visit portal.mdcn.gov.ng and use the “Verification of Registration” tool.

For more detail, see our guide on how to verify the credentials of phone doctors in Nigeria.

Frequently asked questions

How fast does the doctor actually call?

On-demand: typically 5–15 minutes during the day, 15–30 minutes at night. Scheduled: at the slot you booked, plus or minus a few minutes.

Can I pick a male/female doctor or one who speaks my language?

Yes — on web and app you can filter by gender, language (English, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Pidgin, French) and specialty.

What if the call drops?

The doctor will call you back at no extra charge. If you can't be reached, the consultation is rescheduled and your payment held in escrow.

Sources & further reading

Information in this article is verified against the following primary sources, current at the time of review.

Related guides

Editorial note: this guide is for general information and does not replace a one-to-one consultation with a registered Nigerian doctor. If you are unwell, dial *9010# or call 112 in an emergency.