By Alex Abutu
Medical negligence, a serious concern within healthcare systems worldwide, is a critical issue in Nigeria as well. It refers to a breach of the duty of care by healthcare professionals, leading to harm or injury to patients. Despite its importance, medical negligence remains a topic that demands thorough exploration to understand its impact, causes, and potential solutions within the Nigerian context.
Recently, a patient went to one of Abuja’s popular and more expensive hospitals for treatment, the doctors did their diagnosis and recommended some tests and scans. The results from the scans and tests signed by a consultant radiologist only served to aggravate the illness that brought the patient to the hospital.
The result from the hospital signed by the consultant radiologist is what we call copy-and-paste because it contained features that are not known biologically to women. How can a radiologist today sign a scan report for a woman that says the woman has swollen prostate glands?
We agree that our hospitals are under undue stress due to the Japa syndrome which has taken more doctors out of the health system in Nigeria than anything else in addition to the fractured healthcare system. But the most frightening issue now is that other medical professionals such as nurses, lab technicians, and other associated medical practitioners are going abroad for greener pastures.
Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. This breach can take many forms, such as misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, lack of informed consent, and inadequate post-operative care. These incidents can have far-reaching consequences, both for the affected patients and the reputation of the healthcare system as a whole.
Nigeria’s healthcare system faces several challenges that contribute to the prevalence of medical negligence: Many healthcare facilities in Nigeria lack adequate funding and infrastructure. Insufficient resources can lead to overcrowding, inadequate staffing, and outdated medical equipment, all of which increase the risk of medical errors.
There is a shortage of well-trained and skilled medical professionals in the country. This scarcity places additional pressure on the available healthcare staff, increasing the chances of mistakes due to overwork and fatigue. A lack of proper regulation and accountability mechanisms makes it challenging to hold healthcare providers accountable for their actions. This absence of consequences can contribute to a culture of complacency and disregard for patient safety.
Nigeria’s legal framework for addressing medical negligence is underdeveloped. Patients often face significant hurdles in pursuing legal action against healthcare providers due to complex legal procedures and the need to prove negligence.
The federal government needs to create an incentive program to retain Nigerian medical professionals in the country such as a housing program; and the government as well as the private sector should invest in modernizing healthcare facilities, providing up-to-date medical equipment, and ensuring adequate staffing to reduce the likelihood of errors due to resource constraints.
Continuous medical education and training programs for healthcare professionals can enhance their skills and awareness of patient safety protocols. This includes workshops on effective communication, error prevention, and ethical practices.
Regulatory agencies responsible for overseeing healthcare standards and practices need to be empowered with the authority to investigate and take action against instances of medical negligence. Stricter enforcement of regulations can deter negligence and promote a culture of accountability.
Reforms in the legal system should focus on simplifying the process of filing medical negligence claims. Establishing specialized medical courts or tribunals can expedite the resolution of cases and provide justice to affected patients. Encouraging patient advocacy groups and empowering patients to be active participants in their healthcare can improve communication, ensure informed consent, and enhance patient safety.
We have focused on various issues and concentrated too much on how our doctors are flying abroad for greener pastures and while not shining light on the dubious dealings that are responsible for the death of many Nigerians.
When you visit some medical facilities today and see the way blood is sourced and administered to sick patients or even their operating rooms you regret why you are sick in the first place.
We are not even talking about very young doctors who are experimenting with patients’ lives because their more experienced colleagues who should guide them have also japa’d. Today you go to see a doctor and you are asked why you are here and as you speak; they are browsing on the internet looking for symptoms that match your description. Oh Nigeria, when will our lives matter?
A young doctor who had two weeks to the end of her internship, lost her life within the very hospital where she served. On Tuesday, August 1, 2023, Dr Vwaere Diaso, fell to her death after the elevator she was riding in lost control and tumbled down from the ninth floor of the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island. This was due to the lack of a proper hospital facilities, a nmedical emergency response system and regulatory negligence in addition to the lack of essential equipment. Her death has not been honestly accounted for by the regulators in charge.
This should be a clarion call to the government to pay attention to the regulation of medical practice in Nigeria. The Nigerian Medical Association can do better. Yes, it is good to protect and agitate for the welfare of your members but you must ensure prudent regulation and monitoring of your members for the good of society. Enough of copy and paste diagnosis.