Medical Report Sample Nigeria: What It Looks Like and How to Get One
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If you need a medical report in Nigeria, you’re not alone. Many people look for a medical report sample Nigeria to understand what this document looks like and how to get it.
You might need a medical report for a new job, school, travel, an insurance claim, legal matters, or to explain sick days at work. But how does a medical report look? What details should it include? And where do you even get one?
This guide will walk you through everything clearly, so you know what to expect and how to get your medical report.
What Is a Medical Report in Nigeria?
A medical report is an official document written by a licensed doctor or healthcare facility in Nigeria. It clearly summarizes your medical condition, history, test results, treatment, and the doctor’s recommendations.
You may be asked to provide a medical report for many reasons, including:
Job applications — to confirm you’re fit for work or to justify sick leave
School matters — to explain absences or request special consideration
Insurance claims — to support a claim linked to illness or injury
Court cases — where a medical report is used as legal evidence
Travel — some visa applications ask for proof of good health
Continuity of care — if your medical details need to be shared between healthcare providers
Common types of medical reports in Nigeria include:
Sick Leave Certificate
Medical Fitness Certificate
General Medical Report
Medico-Legal Report
What Does a Nigerian Medical Report Contain?
All medical reports must include certain basic details. The exact content depends on what the report is needed for, but here’s what you will usually find:
A. Patient Information
Full name
Date of birth/age
Patient or hospital ID number (if applicable)
Gender
Contact information (sometimes omitted for legal reports)
B. Doctor or Hospital Details
Hospital or clinic name and address
Doctor’s full name and qualifications
Doctor’s MDCN (Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria) registration number
Doctor’s signature
Official hospital stamp
Contact details of the hospital
C. Report Details
Date of report
Dates of your medical visit, examination, admission, or discharge
Report reference number (if any)
The person or organisation to whom the report is addressed (if needed)
D. Medical Content
Reason for the report (e.g., cough, injury, surgery)
Your relevant medical history
What the doctor found during the examination
Any tests carried out and the results
Final diagnosis
Treatment provided or planned
The doctor’s opinion, recommendations, and recovery outlook
Sick leave period (if needed, with start and end dates)
E. Extra Legal Requirements (for Medico-Legal Reports)
Certification of accuracy (sometimes called a Jurat)
Clear separation of facts from the doctor’s personal opinion
For simple reports, such as a sick leave certificate, the report may be brief and straightforward. More serious reports, such as medico-legal reports, will include a great deal more detail.
To prevent fraud, every medical report must include the doctor’s official MDCN number, signature, hospital stamp, and be on official letterhead.
Sample Nigerian Medical Report Format
If you’re searching for a medical report sample from Nigeria, here’s a simple example of what a typical report looks like:
[Hospital Name & Address] [Date]
Patient Name: John Doe Date of Birth: 12-03-1985 Hospital ID: 12345678
To Whom It May Concern,
Re: Medical Report for John Doe
History: Mr. John Doe presented with complaints of lower back pain and fever for the past 3 days.
Examination Findings: On examination, the patient was febrile with tenderness over the lumbar spine area.
Investigations: X-ray of the lumbar spine showed no fractures. Blood test revealed a mild infection.
Diagnosis: Acute lumbar strain with underlying infection.
Treatment Given: Antibiotics and pain management medications were prescribed. Patient advised to rest.
Recommendations: Mr. Doe is advised to take 7 days’ sick leave starting from 10th December 2025 to 16th December 2025.
Sincerely, Dr. A.B. Yusuf Consultant Physician MDCN No: 987654321 [Doctor’s Signature] [Hospital Stamp]
This is just a sample format. Your actual report may look slightly different depending on the hospital or doctor.
How to Get a Medical Report in Nigeria
There are two main ways to get a medical report in Nigeria:
1. From a Hospital or Clinic (Traditional Method)
For official reports, especially those required for legal, insurance, or employment purposes, visiting a hospital or clinic is the best approach.
Who can request it?
Usually, only the patient or someone authorised by them in writing can do so.
Steps to follow:
Visit the hospital’s Medical Records Department or administrative office
Bring your ID and any hospital card
Fill out a Medical Report Request Form or submit a formal application
Clearly state the purpose of your request
Provide supporting documents (if required, e.g. employer’s letter)
Pay any processing fees (these vary by hospital)
Wait for the report to be prepared (this can take a few days to weeks)
Collect your report in person by showing your ID
2. Online Medical Certificate Services
For simpler needs, such as a sick leave certificate or fitness certificate, online services are a faster option.
How it works:
Visit the online platform (such as Ilera Care or Get-Tested.co.za)
Fill out an online form with your details and the reason for the report
Have a tele-consultation (phone or video) with a licensed doctor
If appropriate, the doctor will issue your medical certificate
You will receive your certificate digitally, sometimes followed by a hard copy if requested
Benefits:
No need to visit a hospital physically
Faster turnaround — usually within hours
Helpful when you need a quick sick note for work or school
Things to know:
Not suitable for complex medical issues or legal cases
Not all organisations accept online certificates, so always check first
Reputable platforms only use licensed doctors to issue valid reports
Comparing Hospital Reports vs. Online Certificates
3. Medico-Legal Medical Reports
If you need a report for court or legal proceedings, the process is more detailed:
The request usually comes from the patient, lawyer, police, or a tribunal
The doctor must carefully separate facts from personal opinions
The report must follow the rules under the Evidence Act
Always involve a lawyer early to ensure the report is properly prepared
Important Tips When Requesting or Using a Medical Report
Confidentiality: Your report is private. It can only be released to you or someone you authorise in writing.
Accuracy: Always provide correct personal details to avoid mistakes or delays.
Fees: Ask about any fees in advance.
Timeline: Confirm when your report will be ready, especially if you need it urgently.
Authenticity: Check that your report includes:
The doctor’s name and signature
Their MDCN number
The hospital’s official stamp
Official letterhead
Purpose: Be sure the type of report matches the reason you need it.
Backdating: Legitimate doctors will not usually backdate reports unless they cover a very recent illness with proper justification.
Need Help Getting a Medical Report?
If you are unwell and require an official medical report or sick note, the team at Ilera Care can assist you.
Here’s what you can do through our service:
Book a digital appointment with a licensed doctor anytime
Get your medical report or sick note after your consultation
Access your clinical records securely through our app
Choose your preferred pharmacy for prescriptions
Get referrals for further tests or specialists if needed
You don’t need the stress of figuring this out when you’re already sick. Let us handle the paperwork so you can focus on getting better.
VisitIlera Care today to learn more and book your appointment.
Final thoughts
Now you know what a medical report sample from Nigeria looks like, what it contains, and how you can get one, either from a hospital or through a trusted online service like Ilera Care.
Remember: the right medical report can help you handle work matters, legal needs, travel, insurance, and much more. When you need one, you’re now prepared.
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