The Lagos State Chapter of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives has denied a recent media report that claimed Nigerian medical professionals demand bribes before providing care.
According to the news report, 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 association, 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 report, titled “Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends – Third Survey on Corruption as Experienced by the Population,” 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.
The NBS conducted the fieldwork, administered the survey, and prepared the data.
According to the report, 56% of Nigerians in 2023 reported having interacted with a public official at least once in 2022. Of this number, 24% interacted with public utility officers and 30% had contact with healthcare professionals.
Out of the thirty percent of Nigerians who interacted with healthcare professionals, only four percent either paid a bribe or refused to be asked to do so, according to a report by the NBS and UNODC.
The report defined bribery as an expression of gratitude, a third-party request, or a direct or indirect request intended to expedite a process.
The NANNM chapter in Lagos State, however, deemed the report to be false and misleading.
“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.
“We urge the media organization to retract this statement and issue a formal apology for any harm caused. 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.
“It is also important to note that we have mechanisms in place to monitor and regulate our members to ensure complete compliance with nursing ethics through the Tribunal of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, the Disciplinary Committees in all states, health institutions, and the association,” the statement partly read.
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 association remains committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical practice and patient care. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care with dignity and respect,” it emphasized.
