Members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and allied health associations have taken to the streets in Abuja over a proposed health reform bill currently before the National Assembly.
The protesters expressed strong opposition to the legislation, warning that it could significantly reshape the regulatory structure of Nigeria’s health system.
They said the bill seeks to place all medical professions under the control of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, a move they argue would undermine existing professional regulatory bodies.
According to them, each healthcare profession already has its own council, and the proposed framework could distort balance within the sector and create hierarchy among practitioners.
The unions further alleged that the bill could reduce other health professionals to a subordinate status under medical doctors, describing it as unfair to the wider healthcare workforce.
They said the ongoing demonstration is part of a nationwide mobilisation against the Health Sector Executive Bills 2026 currently under consideration at the National Assembly.
The protesters are expected to march to the National Assembly complex to formally present their grievances and demand a review of the proposed legislation.
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