Radiographers Urge National Assembly to Halt Medical Bill Over Deregistration Fears
The Association of Radiographers of Nigeria (ARN) has issued a strong caution to the National Assembly, urging restraint in the passage of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026. The association argues that the proposed legislation, if enacted in its current form, could have severe negative implications for Nigeria's healthcare system, potentially deregistering the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN) and relegating the profession to a subordinate clinical function.
Concerns Over Professional Self-Regulation
Addressing a press conference in Kano over the weekend, the National President of the ARN, Musa Y. Dambele, PhD, described provisions in the bill as "conceptual theft" and "legally indefensible." He called for urgent federal intervention to safeguard the health system, emphasizing that the bill violates the doctrine of professional self-regulation, which is a cornerstone of healthcare governance globally. Dambele maintained that radiographers are regulated by their own statutory body, similar to how medical doctors are governed by theirs, and highlighted the lack of reciprocal representation for radiographers on medical regulatory councils.
Alignment with Health Sector Unions
Dambele stated that the ARN aligns with the position of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), as well as stakeholders in medical laboratory science, physiotherapy, and other allied health professions, all of whom have rejected similar legislative proposals. He warned that passing the bill could set a dangerous precedent for inter-professional dominance, potentially triggering conflicts within the health sector and undermining regulatory institutions. According to him, "ARN calls on the National Assembly to protect the integrity of the Nigerian healthcare system by rejecting the bill in its current form, preserving the principle of professional self-regulation."
Call for Legislative Action
In his appeal, Dambele urged the removal of all provisions in the bill that enable external control or professional dominance. He specifically called for the retention of the statutory authority of the RRBN Governing Board, particularly in the appointment of the Registrar. This move, he argued, is essential to prevent the erosion of professional autonomy and ensure the continued effectiveness of radiography services in Nigeria's healthcare landscape.
