Health workers under the aegis of the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations on Thursday staged a protest in Abuja over proposed health sector reform bills currently before the National Assembly.
The demonstrators, who converged at the Unity Fountain in Maitama, voiced strong opposition to the legislation, warning that its passage could significantly reshape the regulatory framework of Nigeria’s health sector.
The protesters alleged that the bills seek to place all healthcare professions under the authority of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, a move they said would erode the autonomy of existing professional bodies.
They argued that each healthcare profession already operates under its own regulatory council and cautioned that the proposed changes could distort the balance within the sector.
According to them, the legislation may relegate other healthcare professionals to subordinate roles, effectively positioning non-physician workers as inferior within the system.
The unions also claimed that the bills are designed to elevate medical doctors above other professionals, a development they described as unacceptable.
The protesters said they would proceed to the National Assembly Complex to formally present their grievances to lawmakers and demand a review of the proposed legislation.
The protest followed an earlier notice issued by the unions announcing plans for a nationwide demonstration against the Health Sector Executive Bills 2026.
In a communication obtained by our correspondent on Thursday, the unions disclosed that the protest would attract healthcare professionals from across the country, with participants assembling at the Unity Fountain before marching to the National Assembly.