Health Workers Protest against Bill ‘Placing All Medical Professionals Under MDCN’

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.