Why the National Assembly must reject the MDPA Bill

Nigeria’s healthcare sector is once again facing a serious policy challenge with the proposed amendment to the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act (MDPA), a move that has triggered widespread concern among health professionals. Far from being a routine legislative process, the controversy surrounding this bill highlights deeper issues of governance, inclusiveness, and the future of […]

Nigeria’s healthcare sector is once again facing a serious policy challenge with the proposed amendment to the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act (MDPA), a move that has triggered widespread concern among health professionals. Far from being a routine legislative process, the controversy surrounding this bill highlights deeper issues of governance, inclusiveness, and the future of healthcare delivery in the country.

At the centre of the debate is the attempt to concentrate regulatory authority within a single body, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, at the expense of other established professional councils. Such centralisation raises legitimate fears among nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, radiographers, and other allied health workers, who see this move as a threat to their professional independence and relevance.

Nigeria’s healthcare system is not designed to function under a monopolised regulatory framework. It is a multidisciplinary system where each profession plays a distinct and critical role in patient care. The existence of separate regulatory bodies is not accidental but necessary to ensure that standards, ethics, and practices are tailored to the unique demands of each field. Any attempt to subsume these diverse professions under one authority risks creating confusion, inefficiency, and professional conflict.

The ongoing protests by health unions should not be dismissed as mere resistance to change. Rather, they reflect genuine concerns about the potential consequences of poorly conceived reforms. At a time when the country is already struggling with brain drain in the health sector, inadequate infrastructure, and limited funding, policies that could further destabilise the system must be carefully reconsidered.

Global best practices clearly support a decentralised and collaborative regulatory model. Countries with advanced healthcare systems maintain distinct regulatory institutions for different professions while ensuring coordination where necessary. This approach preserves professional autonomy while promoting efficiency and accountability.

The proposed MDPA amendment, in its current form, appears to deviate from these established standards. Instead of fostering collaboration, it risks deepening divisions within the healthcare sector. It also raises questions about fairness and equity, particularly if certain provisions are perceived to favour one professional group over others.

Lawmakers must therefore exercise caution. The National Assembly has a responsibility to ensure that any reform in the healthcare sector is inclusive, well-considered, and in the best interest of all stakeholders, especially patients. Rushing the bill without adequate consultation could have long-term negative implications for healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Ultimately, this issue goes beyond professional rivalry. It is about safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s healthcare system and ensuring that it remains functional, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the population. The most sensible course of action at this point is for the National Assembly to withdraw the bill, engage stakeholders meaningfully, and produce a more balanced and acceptable framework.

 

Fatima Idris, Department of Mass Communication,  University of Maiduguri