Health

 By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano The Association of Radiographers of Nigeria has raised strong objections to the proposed Dental Practitioners Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026 (HB 2695), warning that its provisions could erode professional autonomy and disrupt Nigeria’s healthcare regulatory system. The concerns were outlined by the National President of the association, Musa Y. Dambele, during a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Kano on Saturday. Dambele described the proposed legislation as a fundamental threat to the practice of radiography, alleging that it seeks to transfer regulatory authority from the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. He specifically drew attention to Section 8(1) of the bill, which contains a “notwithstanding clause” granting the MDCN overriding powers over other regulatory bodies. According to him, this provision conflicts with the existing Radiographers Act and could effectively strip the RRBN of its statutory mandate. The ARN president also faulted Section 47 of the bill, which classifies radiology as encompassing all aspects of diagnostic imaging. He argued that such a definition undermines the distinction between radiology and radiography, noting that the latter is a specialised scientific discipline focused on imaging technology, radiation safety, and patient care. Read Also: Association of Radiographers Rejects Illegal Appointment of Board Registrar Dambele further raised concerns over Section 8(1)(k), which empowers the MDCN to regulate the use of technologies such as ultrasound, lasers, and radiofrequency-based devices. He maintained that these tools are integral to radiographic practice and should not be restricted to a single professional body. On disciplinary provisions, he criticised Sections 30 to 32 of the bill, which propose tribunals dominated by medical and dental practitioners to adjudicate cases involving other health professionals. He argued that such arrangements could undermine fair hearing and professional independence. He also expressed reservations over Section 18(3), which mandates that a portion of professional fees be shared with external bodies, including the Nigerian Medical Association, describing the provision as unjustified and capable of distorting regulatory practices. The association further linked the bill with another proposed legislation, HB 2699, describing both as a coordinated effort to weaken radiography through what it termed a “pincer movement.” According to Dambele, while one bill seeks to erode internal regulatory authority, the other introduces external pressures that could constrain the profession. Beyond professional concerns, the ARN president cautioned against provisions that expand ministerial influence over regulatory boards, warning that such measures could introduce political interference into a highly technical sector. He also opposed attempts to dilute the authority of the RRBN in appointing its Registrar, stressing the need to preserve institutional independence. He noted that global best practices in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia support independent professional regulation, adding that any deviation from this model could create tensions within Nigeria’s health sector. Dambele said the position of the association aligns with that of the Joint Health Sector Unions and other healthcare stakeholders who have raised similar concerns. The association, therefore, called on the National Assembly to reject the bill in its current form, uphold professional self-regulation, and initiate broader stakeholder consultations to develop a balanced regulatory framework. He emphasised that radiographers play a critical role in healthcare delivery, including in diagnostic imaging and therapeutic procedures such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, and radiotherapy, warning that any attempt to centralise control could have implications for patient safety and service delivery. Dambele reiterated the association’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the profession and ensuring that healthcare regulation in Nigeria remains inclusive, balanced, and in line with global standards.

Health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions have suspended their nationwide strike, bringing an end to an industrial action that lasted 84 days and severely disrupted healthcare services across Nigeria. The decision was reached at the end of an expanded emergency meeting of the union’s National Executive Council held in Abuja on Friday, following a conciliation meeting with the Federal Government at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the union said the strike was suspended to allow for the implementation of the agreed terms of settlement reached with the Federal Government. The strike, which began on November 15, 2025, paralysed activities in government-owned hospitals nationwide, leaving patients stranded and forcing many Nigerians to seek medical care from private facilities or alternative sources. The Joint Health Sector Unions represent health professionals working in pharmacies, medical laboratories, and other allied and support departments within public health institutions. According to the union, discussions at the conciliation meeting focused on long-standing grievances, particularly the delayed adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, based on the report of a Technical Committee submitted in 2021. Read Also: KASPA Implements Free Healthcare Programme for Vulnerable Kano Residents Arewa Health Promotion Initiative Enrolls 300 Children Back to School, Distributes Learning Materials in Kano Pharmacist Sule Lauds Governor Yusuf Amid DMCSA Achievements As part of the resolutions, it was agreed that ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations would comprehensively address identified defects, gaps, and implementation failures between 2009 and 2026. The union added that unresolved issues relating to salary adjustments would form the foundation of the negotiations and would be handled exclusively by its members without delay. The union also disclosed that budgetary provisions for the salary adjustment must be included in the 2026 Appropriation Act, using the existing template provided by the Federal Government’s Technical Committee established by the Ministry of Health in 2021. Other agreements reached include the immediate withdrawal of the “no work, no pay” directive issued during the strike, as well as the prompt payment of January 2026 salaries to affected members. The union further insisted that no member who participated in the strike should face victimisation, sanctions, or intimidation. Following deliberations, the expanded National Executive Council unanimously voted to suspend the indefinite strike to enable the full implementation of the settlement terms. In its conclusion, the union expressed appreciation to prominent Nigerians, labour organisations, professional bodies, and traditional rulers who intervened to help resolve the dispute in the national interest. It also thanked Nigerians for their patience and understanding throughout the period of the strike. The union noted that recurring injustice and a widening trust deficit between health workers and authorities contributed to the prolonged industrial action, expressing hope that governments at both federal and state levels would act responsibly to prevent a recurrence of such disruption in the future.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its plan to commence a nationwide strike earlier scheduled for January 12. The suspension was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by the Secretary-General of the association, Shuaibu Ibrahim. NARD had earlier declared the strike following an update issued after its Emergency National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held on January 2, citing unresolved demands with the Federal Government. Read Also: APC Eyes Control of 30 States as Governor Yusuf’s Possible Defection Redraws Kano Politics Former APC National Chairman Ganduje Back in Nigeria After Dubai Vacation Wike to Critics: Only Tinubu Can Sack Me According to the association, the planned industrial action was intended to press home its demands and draw the government’s attention to issues affecting the welfare and working conditions of resident doctors.