Health Workers Storm Abuja Over Controversial Regulatory Bill

Health workers under the umbrella of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations have staged a protest at the Unity Fountain in Abuja, voicing strong opposition to the proposed Health Sector Regulatory Bill currently before the National Assembly of Nigeria.

The demonstrators argue that the bill, if passed into law, would place all health professions under the authority of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), effectively stripping other professional bodies of their regulatory independence.

According to the protesting workers, various healthcare professions already operate under established regulatory councils, and the proposed legislation could reduce non-medical practitioners to subordinate roles within the sector.

The protesters described the move as unjust and discriminatory, warning that it could undermine the structure and balance of Nigeria’s healthcare system.

The unions also revealed plans to proceed to the National Assembly complex, where they intend to formally present their concerns to lawmakers.

More details are expected as the situation unfolds.