Posted on: Thu 23-11-2023

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has reminded healthcare givers that patient’s bill of rights supercede every other material exigences.

Besides, the customer’s protection agency insisted that accident and gunshots patients reserved the rights of medical attention without recourse to instance financial deposit or police approval.

Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Mr. Babatunde Irukera, (FCCPC) made the remark on Wednesday at the opening of training workshop organized for Doctors and Nurses on the Implementation of Patients Bill of Rights (PBoR) in Kano.

Irukera, represented by executive commissioner, Operations at the Commission, Adamu Abdullah, disclosed that under no circumstances should the medical workers neglect or subject patients to unfair treatment.

Irukera who cited cases of patients losing their lives as a result of negligence on the party of medical personnel, insisted the resolve of the commission to prosecute such incident.

He further stated that the idea behind the training workshop was to intimate doctors and nurses on the nitty-gritty of the PBoR for them to acknowledge their obligations and the rights of patients while carrying out their duties.

He added that participants are expected to abide by and uphold the Patients’ Bill of Rights in the interest of justice adding that, “today, we have to listen to the legal perspective and how health practitioners can apply the PBoR.”

“When you have an accident or gunshot victims or patients our position is that you have to treat the patient first before determining whether it is an accident or a case of crime, because one has to be alive first before any other thing,” he added.

“the documentation and unveiling of the Patients’ Bill of Rights across Nigeria is a significant nationwide initiative. It is part of the National Programme of Action for the strengthening of the Patients’ Bill of Rights spearheaded by the FCCPC in collaboration with Ace Associates, who serve as consultants.

“This programme aims to ensure that patients’ rights are protected and upheld in healthcare facilities across the country. This comprehensive effort involves adopting the PBoR principles and guidelines, raising awareness among healthcare providers, institutions, and the general public about the importance of patient-centered care, and engaging various stakeholders in the healthcare value chain and beyond.

“These stakeholders include public and private healthcare facilities, state governments, and traditional rulers, ensuring an inclusive engagement approach.

“The initiative seeks to integrate the principles of patient-centered care effectively across the entire healthcare landscape in Nigeria. This approach fosters a culture of respect for patients’ rights and well-being, ultimately contributing to the improvement of healthcare.”

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