How to Verify the Credentials of Phone Doctors in Nigeria
By Medtrix Editorial Team · Medically reviewed by Medtrix Clinical Review Board · 28 April 2026 · 4 min read
1. Ask for the MDCN folio number — and look it up
Every licensed doctor in Nigeria has a Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) folio number, usually 4–6 digits. A real doctor will give it to you on request, and any reputable platform displays it on the doctor's profile.
Check it at portal.mdcn.gov.ng — the MDCN runs a public “Verification of Registration” service. Enter the folio number, see the doctor's name, qualification, and current practising-licence status.
If the folio number doesn't exist, the name doesn't match, or the licence is flagged “not in good standing” — hang up.
2. Check the platform is registered, not just the doctor
A registered platform adds a second layer of trust because it has already vetted every doctor before letting them onto the system. Look for:
- A registered Nigerian company (CAC RC number, listed in the footer)
- NDPR / NDPC compliance statement on the privacy page
- A physical Nigerian address and a verifiable customer-care number
- Public CEO and team page
- Press coverage in Nigerian outlets (TechCabal, Techpoint, BusinessDay, Punch)
Medtrix is registered in Nigeria and every doctor on the platform passes manual MDCN verification before they are allowed to take a single consultation.
3. Ask how the doctor was vetted
A legitimate doctor will be happy to tell you:
- Where they trained (medical school and hospital)
- Years of practice and current specialty
- Where else they consult (private clinic, government hospital)
- Whether they are in good standing with MDCN
A scammer will dodge or rush these questions. Trust your gut.
Red flags to walk away from
- Refuses to give a name or folio number
- Asks you to send money to a personal account, not via Flutterwave/card on the platform
- Pushes a specific drug brand or pharmacy aggressively (kickback scheme)
- Offers to prescribe controlled drugs (tramadol, codeine, sedatives) on the first call without questions
- The platform has no Nigerian office, no CAC number, and no team page
- WhatsApp-only “consultation” with no record, no payment system, no follow-up
Frequently asked questions
What if I already paid and now suspect the doctor isn't real?
Stop the medication, take screenshots of all communication and payment records, and report the practitioner to the MDCN at portal.mdcn.gov.ng (Complaints) and to the Nigeria Police via 112. If you paid through a regulated payment processor like Flutterwave, you may also be able to dispute the transaction.
Does the doctor have to disclose their folio number?
Yes — the MDCN Code of Medical Ethics requires registered practitioners to identify themselves to patients on request. Refusal is itself a breach.
Are foreign-trained doctors allowed to practise telemedicine in Nigeria?
Only if they have a current MDCN practising licence. Foreign qualifications must be assessed and registered locally before the doctor can see Nigerian patients.
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.