On April 1, 2023, we hosted an insightful webinar on “Medical Ethics and the Patient’s Bill of Rights in Nigeria,” bringing together healthcare professionals, ethicists, and participants to discuss the ethical standards that should guide patient care and rights within the Nigerian healthcare system. The event attracted 85 participants, fostering a dynamic conversation about the intersection of healthcare ethics, patient autonomy, and institutional accountability.
Distinguished Panelists
The webinar featured an esteemed panel of experts who provided diverse perspectives on the topic:
- Dr. Njideka Okonjo-Udochi – Medical Director, Summit Medical Group, Columbia, Maryland, USA
- Rev. Fr. Dr. Aloysius Ochasi – Clinical Bioethicist and Ethics Professor, St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Dr. Iheanacho Charity – Assistant Director, Medical Laboratory Services, University of Jos Teaching Hospital, Plateau State
Key Highlights from the Discussion
1. Understanding the Patient’s Bill of Rights in Nigeria
Dr. Njideka Okonjo-Udochi began the session by explaining the Nigerian Patient’s Bill of Rights (PBoR), launched by the Federal Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC) in 2018. She emphasized the twelve fundamental rights patients are entitled to.
Dr. Okonjo-Udochi stressed that while the PBoR exists on paper, awareness among patients and enforcement by healthcare providers remain limited.
2. Ethical Challenges in Nigerian Healthcare
Rev. Fr. Dr. Aloysius Ochasi provided an ethical lens to the discussion, addressing common dilemmas faced by Nigerian healthcare professionals. He emphasized the need for continuous ethics education for healthcare workers and institutional accountability to uphold ethical standards.
3. Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Practice
Dr. Iheanacho Charity shed light on the practical challenges of implementing the Patient’s Bill of Rights in Nigerian hospitals. She noted that many patients are unaware of their rights, while some healthcare facilities lack the infrastructure to support patient-centered care.
Interactive Session: Participant Engagement and Key Takeaways
The webinar concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where participants raised critical questions. Panelists emphasized the importance of collaboration between healthcare institutions, policymakers, and civil society organizations to promote ethical practices and protect patient rights.
Conclusion
The Medical Ethics and Patient’s Bill of Rights in Nigeria webinar served as a call to action for healthcare professionals, patients, and stakeholders to champion ethical healthcare practices in Nigeria. Upholding the dignity, autonomy, and well-being of patients is not just a legal obligation but a moral responsibility that defines the quality of healthcare delivery. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our panelists, participants, and organizers for making this event a success. Together, we can build a healthcare system rooted in ethics, respect, and accountability.