The health system in Nigeria is in a state of disarray, a situation that seems to worsen with each passing day. Medical practitioners are increasingly exhibiting unethical and unprofessional behaviour, leading to a disturbing rise in medical errors and negligence. Action of many clearly show that many health workers lack understanding of patient’s ill-health.

Some patients who seek medical attention often find themselves in worse conditions than when they arrived, and this alarming trend raises serious concerns about the integrity and competence of healthcare providers in the country.

Recent reports indicate that medical errors are on the rise in Nigeria. According to a 2017 study published in the Archives of Medicine and Health Sciences, there was a staggering prevalence of negligence at 42.8% among 145 medical practitioners surveyed. The most common errors identified were related to medication prescription, laboratory investigations, and physician diagnoses in the order of 95.2 per cent, 83.9 per cent, and 69.4 per cent respectively.

While the World Health Organisation noted that one in every 10 patients is harmed in health care, some experts estimate that 250,000 persons die annually in Nigeria due to medical errors. These figures are actually underestimated due to lack of awareness of affected individuals on right of reporting. These findings however underscore urgent need for reform within the Nigerian healthcare system. Patients who are breadwinners of their families often walk into hospitals alive and on their feet, only to leave in body bags, (dead), due to negligence and incompetence on the part of medical practitioners.

History has not forgotten John, a neighbour; he told us that he would first go to the General Hospital in the morning for an appendix operation before responding to family matter; he was reported dead seven hours later. It was gathered that he was left opened beyond the required timing while operation department was trying to restore electricity.

At least 50% of Nigerian families patronizing country’s medical facilities would have a story to tell as it relates to practitioner’s negligence. History has not forgotten patients of missing kidney, destroyed intestine, perforated womb, dumbness and deafness due to wrong injection, amputated without need, and many whom these professionals forgot operation utensil such as knife in their stomach after medical operations.

But who is suing them? Unfortunately, just a few. This tragic reality is compounded by the fact that many patients suffer deformities instead of healing while seeking medical attention. The lack of professionalism and diligence among healthcare providers has left countless individuals wrestling with lifelong consequences.

The ethical standards expected from medical practitioners appear to be eroding. An increasing number of them seem to have little or no knowledge about the complaints presented by their patients. It is common nowadays to witness doctors resorting to the internet on their phone for information after a patient explains their symptoms; and at the same time receiving calls and chat messages. This not only reflects poorly on their competence but also raises questions about their commitment to providing quality care.

Moreover, wrong prescriptions and misadministration of injections have become commonplace. Patients are often subjected to unnecessary tests without consideration of the financial burden it places on them, especially when all results come back negative. Such practices indicate a lack of understanding and a disregard for patient welfare; it also reflects lack of expertise in diagnosing and treating conditions effectively which is unacceptable in any professional setting. Patients who suffer due to the negligence of medical workers often find themselves paying additional fees to correct errors caused by health workers which should never have occurred in the first place.

Furthermore, the waiting time for patients seeking medical help is abnormally long, with many devoting an entire day to hospital visits without receiving timely attention. This inefficiency is not only frustrating but also dangerous, as it can lead to worsening health conditions for patients in need of immediate care. There are reports of collapses in the hospital due to overstress arising from action of medical experts. This cycle of negligence must be stopped; instead, victims should receive substantial compensation for the harm inflicted upon them.

To address these issues, it is crucial for patients to understand their rights, including the right to sue health workers for medical negligence. Victims can approach the State High Court where the negligence occurred to claim damages, thereby holding practitioners accountable for their actions.

They can also report negligence to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, which regulates medical practice in the country if not going directly to the high court. This body plays a crucial role in ensuring that practitioners adhere to ethical standards and provide quality care. Practitioners must seize to be a General Marchant of many health conditions; they should focus only on their area of specialization and competence.

In today's world, complex ethical issues such as organ transplantation, euthanasia, surrogate motherhood, and stem cell research have emerged as significant concerns within the medical field. It is imperative for medical practitioners to be well-versed not only in their respective specialties but also in the ethical implications of their practice.

Understanding the laws and ethics governing medical practice is essential for avoiding liability suits and ensuring patient safety. While scientific medicine discourages self-medication and reliance on unorthodox treatments, it is disheartening to see that many healthcare providers are not acting better than alternative medicine providers. The expectation for practitioners to follow international standards of care is paramount; failure of adherence is the dire consequences ravaging patients in recent times. It is essential that all experts found culpable face legal consequences for their actions. Holding practitioners accountable is critical in restoring trust in the healthcare system and ensuring that patients receive the quality care they deserve.