By Zika Bobby
The 2024 edition of the Institute of Medical and Health Law (IMHL) conference will hold today in Abuja, the Director General of the Institute, Prof Uwakwe Abugu, has said.
At a press briefing, Abugu, alongside other leaders of the Institute, also announced that a training slated for yesterday would precede the conference at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Secretariat, Abuja, while the conference and induction of new members would be held today, at Merit House, Maitama, Abuja.
Speaking further, the Professor of Medical Law also expressed his concern that Nigerians were not taking advantage of legal protection when their rights are violated while seeking healthcare.
Speaking on the theme of the 2024 conference, “Advancing Inclusive Healthcare Through Specialised Ethical Standards in Nigerian Medical Practice,” Prof Abugu, who also serves as the Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Abuja, expressed concern over the poor understanding of citizens’ rights in accessing healthcare as provided by the 2019 National Health Act.
He stressed the importance of addressing the gap in seeking legal protection for rights violations in healthcare.
Meanwhile, observers have reacted to the conference and described it as being timely and coming at a crucial time as the healthcare industry continues to grapple with complex medico-legal issues. The event aims to bring together experts to discuss and find solutions to these challenges.
Abugu said the conference, which would feature the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, and the founder of The All Rights Foundation, Jake Epelle, would explore ideas on promoting equity and inclusivity in the Nigerian healthcare ecosystem.