Healthcare stakeholders have expressed concern over increasing cases of medical negligence and the deteriorating condition of healthcare facilities in Nigeria, warning that the trend is contributing to avoidable deaths nationwide.

The concerns were raised during the Cure My Nation Initiative conference themed, “Health With Dignity for Every Nigerian: The Role of Government, Communities and Institutions in Safeguarding Patients’ Rights,” held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Speaking at the event, Professor of Microbiology and National Women Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prof. Adenike Ogunshe, described the country’s healthcare sector as severely weakened by poor governance and declining values.

She said many hospitals lack essential life-saving equipment such as oxygen supplies and emergency response facilities, making it difficult for medical personnel to provide adequate care to patients.

Ogunshe also shared a personal experience, alleging that her younger sister died after a hospital failed to provide treatment during an emergency.

According to her, the country’s rising maternal and child mortality rates reflect the growing challenges within the healthcare system and the failure of leaders to prioritise citizens’ welfare.

She called on governments at all levels to increase investment in healthcare infrastructure and improve funding for hospitals and medical services.

The professor further urged journalists to focus more on investigative reporting within the health sector to expose negligence and systemic failures affecting patients.

Also speaking, Team Lead of the Cure My Nation Initiative, Mr. Mashood Adewale, said many Nigerians remain unaware of their rights as patients, a situation he said has enabled abuse and negligence in some healthcare facilities.

Adewale explained that his advocacy was inspired by the alleged death of his mother from a drug overdose in 2010.

He noted that the introduction of the Patient’s Bill of Rights has helped improve accountability among healthcare providers, as more citizens are becoming aware of their rights and monitoring hospital practices.

He added that the organisation recently introduced a digital application designed to help Nigerians report cases of medical negligence and track complaints.

Participants at the conference also criticised Nigeria’s political culture, accusing politicians of taking advantage of poverty to influence voters during elections.

Ogunshe urged Nigerians to hold public office holders accountable rather than exchange votes for short-term benefits.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Director of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Mr. Olawale Akinyosoye, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights and encouraged Nigerians to report cases of medical malpractice and other rights violations through official complaint channels.