The Lagos State Chapter of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives has denied a recent media story that claimed Nigerian medical professionals demand money before health care service.
According to the news story, which cited a National Bureau of Statistics release, “15% accepted bribes to ensure the completion of procedures, and 42% of health workers received bribes to expedite procedures.”
The group, however, refuted the report in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its chairperson, Christianah Adeboboye, saying that it is still dedicated to maintaining the greatest standards of moral behavior and patient care.
The Data, Analytics, and Statistics Section of the Research and Trend Analysis Branch of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime created the report, “Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends – Third Survey on Corruption as Experienced by the Population.”
The NBS conducted the fieldwork, administered the survey, and prepared the data.
According to the research, 56% of Nigerians in 2023 reported having interacted with a public official at least once in 2022. Of this number, twenty-four percent dealt with public utility officers and thirty percent had interaction with healthcare experts.
According to a survey by the NBS and UNODC, out of the thirty percent of Nigerians who interacted with healthcare providers, only four percent either paid or declined requests for bribes.
The research noted that, bribery can be defined as a request made directly or indirectly by a third party, as a token of appreciation, or to expedite a process.
The NANNM chapter in Lagos State, however, deemed the report to be false and deceptive.
“The assertion not only harms the standing of our honorable profession, but it also calls into question the ceaseless efforts of our members who put in great effort to give patients high-quality care.
“We implore the media outlet to take back this comment and formally apologize for any offence caused. We further ask that the source of this misleading information be looked into right away and that appropriate steps be taken to stop malicious reports like this one from happening in the future.
“It is imperative to acknowledge that we have established systems to oversee and govern our members to guarantee total adherence to nursing ethics via the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria Tribunal, state-level disciplinary committees, healthcare facilities, and the association,” a portion of the statement stated.
The association went on to say that neither the council nor the association had received any reports of bribery against any of its members, nor was it aware of any petitions alleging bribery against any of its members.
“Our organization is still dedicated to maintaining the greatest levels of moral behavior and patient care. It emphasized, “We will keep working nonstop to make sure that our patients receive the best care possible, with dignity and respect.”
