Health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations on Thursday staged a protest at Unity Fountain in Abuja to oppose a proposed health sector regulatory bill currently before the national assembly.
The demonstrators, who marched through parts of the Federal
Capital Territory (FCT) carrying placards and chanting slogans, expressed
concerns that the bill could undermine the autonomy of various health
professions.
The health workers said a provision in the proposed
legislation would place all medical and allied health professions under the
regulatory authority of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
They said such an arrangement would “erode the independence”
of existing regulatory bodies for nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists,
and other health practitioners.
Martin Egbanubi, JOHESU national secretary, said the protest
is aimed at raising public awareness about the implications of the bill.
He described the protest as a “crucial moment” for
healthcare workers, and urged members to sensitise citizens on how reforms may
affect both their professions and the broader health system.
The health workers said their protest is not against
regulation, but against what they described as an attempt to centralise
authority in a way that could diminish the roles and recognition of allied
health professionals.
The protesters also plan to proceed to the national assembly
to present a petition detailing their objections and proposed amendments to
lawmakers.
The union leaders warned that they would continue to
mobilise and engage with legislators to ensure their concerns are reflected in
the final version of the bill, stressing the need for inclusive collaboration
on policies affecting millions of Nigerians who depend on the country’s
healthcare system.
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