ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- A professor at Babcock University, Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia, has called for a review of Nigeria’s legal framework to improve access to healthcare, particularly in areas such as surrogacy, assisted reproductive treatments, mental health, and emergency medical care.
Onyemelukwe-Onuobia stated this while delivering the university’s 52nd inaugural lecture, she stressed that outdated laws and poor implementation hinder progress in the health sector.
According to her, “Laws and their implementation can become a stumbling block if not properly addressed.”
She cited the criminalization of attempted suicide as an example of outdated legislation, noting that it is a relic of British colonial rule that has long been repealed in the United Kingdom.
While acknowledging that some states in Nigeria have revised aspects of these laws, she emphasized the need for more comprehensive reforms to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
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She also underscored the importance of regulatory laws to protect the rights of surrogates, intended parents, and children, ensuring that assisted reproductive treatments are conducted safely and ethically while preventing the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
Onyemelukwe-Onuobia identified key challenges in the health sector, including high disease burden, maternal mortality, limited access to quality healthcare services, shortage of medical professionals, and inadequate budgetary allocations.
She lamented that Nigeria’s healthcare budget remains below 5% of the total annual budget, failing to meet the needs of a population nearing a quarter of a billion people.
To address these challenges, she recommended a review and update of outdated health laws, the development of a clear regulatory framework for telemedicine and digital health services, and greater awareness and enforcement of health security and emergency laws.
She also advocated for a constitutional amendment to make the right to health an enforceable fundamental right, in line with international human rights obligations.
“The pandemic exposed weaknesses in existing health security and emergency laws, which must be addressed to ensure better preparedness for future health crises,” she concluded.