As doctors prepare to down tools from November 1, Public Health Advocate Dr. Frederick Unuigbokhai has blamed the increasing cases of medical negligence in Nigerian hospitals on an overstretched and collapsing health system.
Dr. Unuigbokhai, while speaking on Hard Facts with Mary-Ann Okon, said the healthcare sector is under severe strain, with poor working conditions, a lack of proper oversight, and exhaustion leading to more errors among health workers.
“A tired doctor will most definitely make errors in your management. If your doctor is weak and tired, your life is at risk,” he warned.
The conversation followed the viral story of a woman suing a hospital after being misdiagnosed with cancer and undergoing unnecessary chemotherapy.
Dr. Unuigbokhai described her case as “a breakdown in the sacred trust between doctor and patient,” noting that many procedures in Nigeria are carried out by unqualified practitioners and under poor supervision.
He affirmed that some medical professionals are diverting patients from public hospitals to their private clinics for profit, calling for stricter oversight and a national database to verify qualified doctors.
“We need systems in place to be sure that we are practicing ethical medicine… Fraudsters are taking over,” he said.
The public health advocate also advised Nigerians to ask questions, seek second opinions, and report cases of negligence to regulatory bodies.
“Patients need to know they can press charges. You can report a case of medical negligence and let the necessary authorities investigate,” he added.
Dr. Unuigbokhai appealed to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and other regulatory bodies to tighten monitoring and ensure accountability across hospitals nationwide.
Still on the Hard Facts, he appealed to Nigerians to add their voices to the demands of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), saying the strike is not just about doctors’ welfare but about fixing the healthcare system for everyone.
His comments come just hours before NARD is set to begin a nationwide strike over welfare and working conditions.
