Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South) has called for comprehensive reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare laws, advocating for better regulatory frameworks and equitable access to quality healthcare services. Speaking on Thursday at a lecture organized by the University College Hospital (UCH) Students Association in Ibadan, Alli emphasized the crucial role of law in improving healthcare delivery and patient safety across the nation.
Delivering a lecture titled “The Intersection of Law and Health in Nigeria: Shaping Healthcare Policies, Regulating Medical Practices, and Ensuring Equitable Access to Quality Healthcare Services,” the senator highlighted the need to address regulatory gaps and enforce existing healthcare laws to enhance public trust and ensure a fair, effective system. He underscored the importance of robust legal structures to manage emerging health issues, including mental health and non-communicable diseases.
Alli proposed significant changes to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to include low-income and informal sector workers, with increased government funding to lessen financial burdens on Nigerians. He also called for better-resourced regulatory bodies, such as the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), to ensure compliance with healthcare laws and uphold high standards in medical practice.
The senator stressed the need for educational campaigns to empower marginalized communities with knowledge about their healthcare rights, enabling them to demand accountability and quality care. He urged collaboration among healthcare stakeholders, noting that a resilient healthcare system requires laws that adapt to current and future health challenges in Nigeria.
