While supporting patient safety in Nigeria, the Guild of Medical Directors (GMD) has called for fair and balanced regulation of medical practice, stressing that doctors should not face suspension without due process.
In a statement signed by GMD President, Dr. Raymond Kuti, the guild expressed concern over the recent suspension of three senior doctors by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel under the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
The suspension followed alleged medical negligence linked to the death of Nkanu Esege, the 21-month-old son of author, Chimamanda Adichie.
Dr. Kuti emphasised that suspension should only follow after culpability is established, warning that sudden career interruptions can cause psychological distress, reputational damage, and social stigma for doctors, their families, colleagues and patients.
He highlighted the wider impact on healthcare delivery, noting that Nigeria’s shortage of qualified doctors means suspensions can disrupt clinical units, delay treatment, and even temporarily close facilities, affecting thousands of patients. The economic impact includes increased operational costs that may be passed on to patients.
Dr. Kuti also warned that with many Nigerian doctors migrating abroad, disciplinary actions that reduce the workforce must be approached cautiously. He called for transparency, fairness, proportionality, and opportunities for professional remediation, and criticised procedural breaches in the recent Euracare case, where media reports emerged before doctors were informed of the panel’s decisions.
“A balance, fair, and humane approach to regulation will serve both the medical profession and the public better”, Kuti said, adding that the GMD remains committed to collaborating with the MDCN and other stakeholders to strengthen ethical medical practice.
Meanwhile, Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital defended its clinical staff, noting the doctors’ professionalism and long record of service in delivering quality healthcare in Nigeria.
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