(DDM) – Diaspora Digital Media learns that Joint Health Sector Unions has asked National Assembly of Nigeria to suspend proposed amendments to key health laws, warning that the changes could upset the balance of Nigeria’s healthcare system and weaken the independence of other health professions.
The union argues that the proposed bills could concentrate regulatory authority in the hands of medical doctors and reduce the statutory powers of other licensed professionals.
JOHESU leaders claim the pressure for amendments comes from physicians operating under Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, whom they accuse of pushing for dominance over other healthcare fields.
In a joint statement, JOHESU chairman Kabiru Ado Minjibir and general secretary Martin Egbanubi describe the health sector as naturally multi-professional and dependent on cooperation among specialists.
They emphasize that pharmacists, nurses, radiographers, and laboratory scientists all operate under laws that created separate regulatory councils to maintain standards and protect patients.
The union notes that each profession already has defined legal oversight and ethical codes guiding practice.
JOHESU highlights past disputes where doctors allegedly resisted inspections from bodies such as the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, and the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria.
According to the union, courts repeatedly upheld the authority of those regulators to supervise their professions.
JOHESU references a notable case filed at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja where MDCAN sought to establish sole control over clinical laboratory regulation.
The court dismissed that suit for lack of evidence, although some related appeals remain pending.
On pharmacy matters, the union defends the existing structure of the PCN council, saying it must reflect technical expertise from pharmacists, academics, and government health officials.
JOHESU warns that introducing broad “community interest” representatives into such councils could dilute professional standards.
The union links pharmacy regulation to the Exclusive Legislative List in Nigeria’s constitution, stressing that drug control requires specialized training.
It also recalls older laws and historical regulations that shaped modern pharmacy oversight.
JOHESU cites a 2016 decision of the National Industrial Court affirming that medical laboratory science stands as a distinct profession with its own jurisdiction.
The ruling, the union says, confirms that one profession cannot legally subordinate another in its core functions.
Fresh concern now centers on provisions in a proposed Medical and Dental Practitioners Bill 2026.
JOHESU argues that sections touching on prescription rights could limit global best practices that allow trained non-physicians to prescribe certain medicines.
The union explains that shared prescribing in some systems reduces delays and improves patient access.
Leaders also caution lawmakers against legislating on issues still before the courts, saying that could conflict with separation-of-powers principles.
JOHESU ultimately calls on legislators to reject any amendments that could create hierarchy among health professions.
The union frames its appeal as a push for stability, fairness, and teamwork in healthcare delivery.
Observers say the debate reflects long-standing rivalry over roles within Nigeria’s medical space.
As discussions continue, patients and hospital administrators watch closely, since any legal shift could reshape how care is delivered nationwideh.
For now, JOHESU maintains that collaboration, not control, remains the safest path for Nigeria’s health sector.
