Health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations are currently staging a protest at the Unity Fountain in Abuja over a proposed health sector reform bill before the National Assembly.
The protesters expressed strong opposition to the legislation, warning that it could significantly alter the regulatory structure of the country’s health sector.
According to the demonstrators, the bill seeks to place all medical professions under the control of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
They argued that such a move would undermine existing professional bodies and create an imbalance within the sector.
The health workers maintained that each profession already has its own regulatory council and warned that the proposed law could relegate other healthcare professionals to a subordinate status.
They further alleged that the bill is designed to make non-physician health workers “second-class” to medical doctors.
The protesters said they would proceed to the National Assembly complex to present their grievances to lawmakers and push for a reconsideration of the proposed legislation.
Recall that the unions had announced plans to stage a national protest in Abuja over the proposed Health Sector Executive Bills 2026, currently before the National Assembly.
In an official communication obtained by our correspondent on Thursday morning, the unions said the protest is expected to draw healthcare professionals from across the country to the National Assembly Complex, with participants converging at the Unity Fountain in Maitama.
More to come…
Olugbenga Ige is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over nine years of professional reporting experience. He is known for his sharp eye for compelling stories and a strong instinct for identifying newsworthy developments. Over the years, Olugbenga has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
Muck Rack: https://muckrack.com/olugbenga-ige
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
