Lagos Doctors protest Police harassment, warn of looming health crisis in Nigeria
Lagos doctors protest over police harassment. Image Credit: Vanguard News
Medical doctors in have staged a rare and coordinated protest, raising serious concerns over what they describe as persistent harassment, intimidation, and unlawful arrests by security agencies, particularly the police.
The protest, organised by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos chapter, alongside the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP), signals growing tension between healthcare professionals and law enforcement, an issue experts warn could cripple Nigeria’s already strained healthcare system.
Doctors March from LASUTH to Ikeja Police Command
The protest saw dozens of doctors march from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) to the Police Command headquarters in Ikeja, carrying placards with bold messages such as “Doctors are not criminals,” “No to police harassment,” and “Doctors are not God to guarantee life.”
The demonstration, tagged “Protest Against Harassment of Doctors,” highlighted deep frustrations within the medical community over what they termed systematic targeting and intimidation.
Allegations of Unlawful Arrests and Intimidation
Speaking during the protest, ANPMP Lagos Chairman, Dr. Jonathan Esegie, described the situation as a “dangerous trend” threatening both the medical profession and patient safety.
According to him, doctors are increasingly being:
- Arrested without formal charges
- Detained while attending to patients
- Subjected to intimidation and harassment
He alleged that some practitioners have been forcibly removed from hospitals mid-treatment, leading to disruption of critical care and putting lives at risk.
“Doctors Are Not Above Errors” — Call for Due Process
Doctors at the rally emphasised that medical professionals are not infallible, stressing that deaths can occur even under the best medical care.
They argued that allegations of medical negligence should be handled strictly by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), the legally recognised regulatory body, rather than through police intervention.
“This is not just about doctors,” speakers noted. “It is about ensuring that due process is followed and that medical decisions are not criminalised without proper investigation.”
Trigger: Detention of Doctor and Nurse in Lekki
The protest was reportedly triggered by the recent detention of a doctor and a nurse in Lekki, following the death of two critically ill children suffering from severe gastroenteritis.
Medical leaders explained that the children were brought in under extreme medical conditions, including dehydration and sepsis, and despite efforts to save them, they passed away.
However, instead of a professional review process, the healthcare workers were allegedly detained for nearly a week, sparking outrage across the medical community.
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Fear of “Defensive Medicine” and Declining Care Quality
Doctors warned that continued harassment could lead to the rise of “defensive medicine”, a situation where practitioners avoid high-risk cases for fear of legal consequences.
This, they said, could result in:
- Delays in emergency care
- Reduced willingness to handle critical cases
- Increased patient mortality
“If doctors begin to hesitate during emergencies, the consequences will be devastating,” stakeholders warned.
Brain Drain Concerns Intensify
The protest also reignited concerns about Nigeria’s ongoing medical brain drain, as many doctors continue to seek better working conditions abroad.
Medical leaders warned that persistent harassment could:
- Accelerate the exodus of healthcare professionals
- Worsen doctor-to-patient ratios
- Further weaken healthcare delivery nationwide
“If this trend continues, more doctors will leave, and those who remain may withdraw from complex cases,” the association cautioned.
Call for Government Intervention and Policy Reform
The protesting groups called on government authorities to:
- End arbitrary arrests of medical personnel
- Respect established professional processes
- Strengthen collaboration between law enforcement and healthcare bodies
They also revealed plans to formally petition relevant authorities, including the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and the Attorney-General.
“This protest is just the beginning,” leaders warned, hinting at possible escalation if demands are not met.
Implications for Nigeria’s Healthcare System
The Lagos doctors’ protest underscores a growing crisis at the intersection of healthcare and law enforcement.
Experts believe that failure to address these concerns could:
- Undermine trust in the healthcare system
- Increase avoidable deaths
- Deepen systemic inefficiencies
At a time when Nigeria faces rising healthcare challenges, stakeholders say protecting medical professionals is essential to safeguarding public health.
FAQ
Why are Lagos doctors protesting?
Doctors in Lagos are protesting against alleged harassment, unlawful arrests, and intimidation by police and other agencies.
What triggered the Lagos doctors’ protest?
The protest was triggered by the detention of a doctor and a nurse in Lekki after the death of two critically ill children.
Can police arrest doctors for medical negligence in Nigeria?
Doctors argue that only the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has the authority to investigate medical negligence cases, not the police.
What is “defensive medicine”?
Defensive medicine occurs when doctors avoid risky medical decisions due to fear of legal consequences, potentially affecting patient care.
How does this protest affect healthcare in Nigeria?
The protest highlights risks of reduced healthcare quality, delayed treatments, and worsening doctor shortages.
What are doctors demanding from the government?
Doctors are calling for an end to harassment, respect for due process, and proper handling of medical complaints through regulatory bodies.
Will the protest escalate?
Medical associations have warned that further action may follow if authorities fail to address their concerns.
How does this relate to brain drain in Nigeria?
Harassment and poor working conditions are pushing doctors to leave Nigeria, worsening the healthcare workforce shortage.