Policy Paper on the Need for the Establishment of a Specialized Tribunal for Medical Negligence Cases in Nigeria: An Imperative for Fair and Efficient Adjudication

Acts of medical negligence have raised several questions as to the efficacy and adequacy of Nigeria’s existing legal framework. Acknowledging the severity of this matter, this publication explores the intricacies surrounding medical negligence in Nigeria, whilst examining the complexities and shortcomings within the existing legal framework. As patients and their families seek redress for injuries or loss of life resulting from substandard care, the current legal framework faces considerable challenges in addressing the complexities of medical negligence cases. There is a pressing need for a holistic and comprehensive reform in the field of these cases that will not only safeguard the rights of the affected victims and their families, but will also ensure the expeditious, fair and just adjudication of cases of medical negligence related to medical practitioners. This publication delves into the urgent need for a specialized court dedicated to adjudicating matters of medical negligence in Nigeria. By exploring the inadequacies of the existing legal system and advocating for the establishment of a specialized court, the aim is to shed light on a crucial aspect of healthcare reform that not only safeguards the rights of patients, but also ensures accountability within the medical profession. This paper also aims to explore the multifaceted dimensions of medical negligence, offering a scholarly analysis of its legal implications within the Nigerian context.