ADVERTISEMENT

Doctors demand explanation on private practice ban by FG

Omojowolo was reacting to a federal government’s announcement to begin the process of banning doctors in public service from engaging in private service.

Dr Olubunmi Omojowolo, Chairman of Lagos State chapter of the association, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday.

NAN reports that the federal government on Wednesday announced plans to stop medical doctors working in public hospitals from engaging in private practice.

The decision was taken at Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, told newsmen after the meeting that the laws of the land did not allow any public officer to do anything apart from farming.

Adewole also announced that a committee would make appropriate recommendations to the government on the matter.

Omojowolo said that though the law did not permit doctors in public hospitals to own private hospitals, they could however, offer specialised services to private hospitals when required.

“Actually, this is not new; the law does not permit doctors who are working in public hospitals to own private hospitals.

“However, the application has to be properly defined; when talking about private practice by doctors in public hospitals, the government has to explain exactly what it is talking about.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Are you saying that specialists working for government cannot be invited by private hospitals when they have emergency or need a specialist in that area to see the patient?

“Are you saying that all patients that require specialist care who are admitted in private hospitals will have to be moved to public hospitals?,’’ he said.

The chairman said that it was practice all over the world that specialists could be invited to either a public or private health institution to help sort out medical issues.

“For instance, I am a neurologist; how many neurologists do we have in the country.

“We do not have many of them and there are cases that need neurologists’ intervention and other cases like that.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Are they going to be transferring all patients to public hospitals which are short-staffed and cannot even take care of the patients they already have?

“Consequent upon this, there is need for government to define what it is saying so that it will be understood by everybody.

“This will go a long way to remove ambiguities and misinterpretations that the proposal has so far generated,’’ Omojowolo said.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT