EXCLUSIVE: Nigerian Doctors Warn Health Reform Bills Could Lead to Misdiagnosis, Wrong Treatment, and Preventable Deaths If Passed

The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria has warned that proposed 2026 Health Sector Executive Bills, including HB. 2701, could weaken healthcare regulation and affect patient safety if passed as currently drafted.

At a briefing, AMLSN President Casmir Ifeanyi described the bills as “a dangerous regression disguised as reform” and “profoundly misaligned with science and global best practices.”

The association said the amendments to the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) Act could weaken oversight of laboratory services, which are central to diagnosis and treatment. It warned the changes could “compromise patient safety” by lowering standards and increasing the risk of diagnostic errors.

AMLSN also said the proposals could reduce the independence of regulatory bodies by allowing more political and non-specialist influence in decision-making. According to the group, this could affect how standards are set and enforced across the sector.

The association further warned that parts of the reform could trigger “fresh inter-professional conflict” within the health system by affecting the balance between different healthcare professions.

Describing the bills as “the most coordinated legislative attack ever attempted against the autonomy, stability, and future of Nigeria’s healthcare sector,” AMLSN called for a halt to the process and wider consultation.

The Joint Health Sector Unions and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations have also raised objections and called for a review.

The bills are currently before the National Assembly.