Lagos nurses fault bribery report, affirm commitment to ethical standards

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Lagos State Chapter, has refuted a recent report by a media organisation alleging that doctors and nurses demand bribes before providing healthcare services in Nigeria.

The news report, which referenced a release by the National Bureau of Statistics claimed that “42 per cent of health workers received bribes to expedite procedures, and 15 per cent accepted bribes to ensure the completion of procedures.”

However, in a statement released on Thursday and signed by its Chairperson, Christianah Adeboboye, the association disputed the report, asserting that it remains committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical practice and patient care.

The report, titled “Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends – Third Survey on Corruption as Experienced by the Population,” was prepared by the Data, Analytics, and Statistics Section of the Research and Trend Analysis Branch of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

The survey implementation, fieldwork, and data preparation were carried out by the NBS.

The report noted that in 2023, about 56 per cent of Nigerians had at least one contact with a public official in 2022. Of this figure, 30 per cent had contact with healthcare professionals, while 24 per cent interacted with public utility officers.

The NBS and UNODC report indicated that of the 30 per cent of Nigerians who had contact with healthcare professionals, only four per cent paid a bribe or were asked to pay a bribe and refused.

The report listed bribery as a direct or indirect request meant to facilitate a procedure, a sign of appreciation, or a third-party request.

However, the Lagos State chapter of NANNM described the report as unfounded and misleading.

“The claim is not only damaging to the reputation of our noble profession, but it also undermines the tireless efforts of our members who work diligently to provide quality care to patients.

“We urge the media organisation to retract this statement and issue a formal apology for any harm caused. We also request an immediate investigation into the source of this false information and that appropriate action be taken to prevent such malicious reports in the future.

“It is also important to note that we have mechanisms in place to monitor and regulate our members to ensure complete compliance with nursing ethics through the Tribunal of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, the Disciplinary Committees in all states, health institutions, and the association,” the statement partly read.

The association further stated that it is not aware of any petition concerning bribery against any of its members, and no such report has been received either by the council or the association.

“Our association remains committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical practice and patient care. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care, with dignity and respect,” it emphasised