Experts Share Ways for Hospitals to Minimize Medical Negligence

Medical experts have identified stronger systems, accountability, and improved patient safety practices as key measures for reducing the rising cases of medical negligence in Nigeria, stressing that both public and private hospitals must adopt these reforms.

They highlighted that inadequate staffing, poor supervision, weak reporting mechanisms, and failure to follow standard treatment guidelines often lead to avoidable errors that put patients at risk and erode trust in the healthcare system.

Experts say that continuous training, stronger internal checks, and transparent communication between healthcare workers and patients can significantly reduce negligence while improving overall health outcomes nationwide.

The call comes in the wake of recent high-profile cases of alleged medical negligence, which have resulted in deaths and permanent disabilities. Most notably, the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi, son of Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, at a Lagos hospital on January 7, 2026, sparked widespread concern about patient safety.

Other cases include the death of Aishatu Umar, a mother of five in Kano State, after scissors were reportedly left inside her abdomen during surgery at a government-owned facility, and allegations by Lagos resident Alfred Ogene that a hospital caused urinary damage following a wrong catheter insertion. Ogene has filed a legal claim against R-Jolad Hospital Nigeria Limited.

Speaking exclusively to Healthwise, Professor Adesegun Fatusi, a Community Medicine specialist and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, listed workforce shortages, pressure on healthcare staff, long working hours, poor infrastructure, and skill gaps as key drivers of medical negligence in Nigeria. He explained that systemic challenges, rather than individual errors alone, largely contribute to the problem.

“The root causes must be addressed through deliberate policy and institutional changes. Adequate staffing is essential to reduce workload pressure for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. Protocols must be strengthened and monitored for compliance,” Fatusi said.

He also noted that weak communication within healthcare settings contributes significantly to both actual and perceived negligence. “Healthcare workers need proper training in communication. Many adverse outcomes stem not only from technical errors but from failures to communicate clearly with patients and among teams,” he added.

Fatusi emphasized that regulatory structures, such as the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), exist to address professional misconduct, urging patients and families to use formal complaint channels rather than relying solely on public criticism. “Established protocols exist to investigate cases of negligence. This ensures accountability and proper adjudication,” he said.

He concluded that reducing medical negligence requires a holistic approach, including systemic reforms, better staffing, improved infrastructure, strict adherence to protocols, continuous professional development, and stronger quality assurance systems.

Dr. Abiola Idowu, Permanent Secretary of the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency in Lagos State, advised health workers to prioritise patient safety and view patients as partners in their care. She highlighted that unsafe care contributes to millions of deaths globally, with particularly high rates in low- and middle-income countries. “For Nigeria, the figures are alarming. At least one in ten patients experiences adverse effects from care, highlighting the urgent need for action,” she said.

Idowu added that the social and economic costs of unsafe care are substantial, estimating losses of $1 million to $3 million annually due to adverse patient outcomes.

In 2021, the MDCN investigated over 120 allegations of professional negligence, with additional cases referred to the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal for prosecution. The MDCN regulates medical, dental, and alternative medicine practice in Nigeria to ensure quality healthcare delivery.

Dr. Adetunji Adenekan, former chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos State branch, reaffirmed that the MDCN enforces accountability strictly. “No practitioner is exempt if found guilty. The Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal functions as our medical court, with the authority of a high court,” he stated.

Overall, experts stress that addressing medical negligence in Nigeria requires systemic reforms, stronger oversight, and a culture of accountability to safeguard patient welfare.