The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Lagos State Chapter, has refuted a recent report by a media organization alleging that doctors and nurses in Nigeria demand bribes before providing healthcare services.
The disputed report, which referenced a release by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), 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.”
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The report was titled “Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends – Third Survey on Corruption as Experienced by the Population” and 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 (UNODC).
However, in a statement released on Thursday, NANNM Lagos Chapter Chairperson, Christianah Adeboboye, described the report as “unfounded and misleading,” asserting that the association remains committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical practice and patient care. The association urged the media organization to retract its statement and issue a formal apology for any harm caused. They also called for an investigation into the source of the false information.
“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,” the statement read. “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.”
NANNM Lagos also emphasized that they have mechanisms in place to monitor and regulate their members to ensure full compliance with nursing ethics. This is done through the Tribunal of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, the Disciplinary Committees in all states, health institutions, and the association itself. The association added that they are unaware of any petition concerning bribery against any of their members and have not received any such reports from the council or the association.
