Health Workers Protest In Abuja Over Proposed Regulatory Bill

Health Workers Protest In Abuja Over Proposed Regulatory Bill
JOHESU warns bill could undermine independence of health professions
Protesters plan to present concerns directly to National Assembly

Nigerian health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations staged a protest in Abuja on Thursday over a proposed health sector regulatory bill before the National Assembly.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the workers gathered at the Unity Fountain to oppose the bill, warning that it could significantly alter the structure of professional regulation within the country’s health sector.

The protesters said the proposed legislation, currently before the National Assembly of Nigeria, would place all medical professions under the authority of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

They argued that such a move would undermine the independence of other health professions, each of which already has its own regulatory body. According to them, the bill seeks to make non-medical professionals subordinate to medical doctors.

The demonstrators said they planned to proceed to the National Assembly complex to formally present their concerns to lawmakers.

Earlier, the Joint Health Sector Unions had issued a circular directing its affiliate unions and professional associations to mobilise members in large numbers for the protest.

Speaking on the development, JOHESU National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi, said the demonstration was aimed at raising awareness about the implications of the proposed legislation.

Health Workers Protest In Abuja Over Proposed Regulatory Bill

“Our members must educate the general public on how the Health Sector Executive Bills 2026 affect their respective professions in particular and the health sector in general,” Egbanubi said.

He described the protest as a critical moment for healthcare professionals and urged members to participate actively