The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), which is responsible for protecting citizens’ rights in the medical field, has unveiled modalities and developed patterns for patients’ bills of rights to protect consumers nationwide.
These rights encompass various fundamental aspects, including consumer protection acts, child rights acts, national health acts, and other instruments of rights.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Babatunde Irukera, made this disclosure during an advocacy visit to the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi on Wednesday.
During the visit, Babatunde Irukera emphasized the importance of enlightening and sensitizing healthcare providers regarding the protection of patients’ bills of rights. This includes rights to dignity, cleanliness, and proper medical attention.
He also highlighted that patients’ bills of rights must be safeguarded within the framework of the country’s laws, medical profession procedures, ethics, guidelines, and regulations, adhering to globally accepted best practices and standards.
The objective of these efforts is to ensure proper advocacy and significant improvement in the realization of justice while preserving, protecting, and enhancing patients’ rights throughout the country.
In response, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of ATBUTH, Dr Yusuf B. Jibrin, explained that the hospital was established in 2010 with the mandate of providing clinical services, healthcare services, personnel training, and research in line with global best practices.
He also mentioned that the hospital has upgraded its Basic Nursing courses to diploma programs instead of certificates. Additionally, the hospital plans to collaborate with the Federal University of Health and Nutrition in Azare to introduce a degree program in BSc Nursing Sciences.
Dr Yusuf Jibrin expressed gratitude to the Commission for its efforts and assured them of the hospital’s support in implementing the bill among the staff and management.
At the Government House, the Commission was received by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Kashim Ibrahim, on behalf of the Governor, Bala Mohammad. Barrister Kashim Ibrahim stated that the state government fully welcomes these initiatives and is committed to complying with patients’ bills of rights, ensuring that these rights are protected in all medical facilities across the state.
Similarly, at the Emir’s palace in Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu expressed appreciation to the Commission for introducing patients’ bills of rights, noting that it will significantly improve healthcare delivery services in the country.
He urged all caregivers to support this policy and adhere strictly to patients’ bills of rights, assuring the Commission of the support of all traditional institutions in the state.
The event included a drama presentation, the signing of the patients’ bills of rights guidelines, and the unveiling of the guidelines at the hospital.
