AN EXAMINATION OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR HEALTHCARE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The ability of any national healthcare system to serve the interest of its citizen depends on the strength of its legal framework, and this is because it is only a viable legal framework in the national healthcare that can guarantee a standard, professional and adequate healthcare delivery services, and easy access to adequate healthcare. Nigeria’s healthcare system is regulated by 
several legislations, regulations, and health policies. In ensuring that the citizens have access to quality healthcare, all the three tiers of government share the legislative competence to legislate on healthcare. In exercise of these legislative functions on healthcare, there are several legislations on healthcare at the Federal and State level which regulate different aspect of healthcare in Nigeria, including one or two international treaties which are already domesticated as municipal 
legislations. This study sought to critically examine few of the Federal legislations that have direct impacts on healthcare in Nigeria. This article further sought to answer the following questions: how effective these legislations on healthcare in Nigeria are, and what impacts have those legislations on the healthcare system in Nigeria. In addressing some of the issues raised in this article, doctrinal method is adopted by which few legislations are examined. This study concluded that although there are legislations on healthcare in Nigeria, many of them require an amendment 
on the account of certain defects and their age in order to really address health concerns in Nigeria. Recommendations are therefore made for their amendment and/or repeal.