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Reconceptualizing the Nigerian Medical Negligence Crises as a State Induced Human Rights Violation: A Socio-Legal Enquiry

OD.Michael, CG Offor, Okechukwu Divine Michael, Chibuikem Golden Offor

Abstract

The healthcare system in Nigeria currently faces severe medical negligence crises, a situation that transcends individual errors of healthcare practitioners, implicating underlying governmental failure that constitutes a state-induced human rights violation. The core problem addressed in this study is the unrepentant attitude of the government towards underinvestment in healthcare infrastructure, inadequate provision of essential medical equipment, and the weak regulatory frameworks in place, which collectively undermine the right to health and expose patients to preventable harms. The aim of this paper is to critically examine how these state-induced deficiencies contribute to medical negligence in Nigeria and analyze the resulting human rights implications. The objectives include assessing the obligations of the Nigerian government under international human rights law, exploring the socio-legal dimensions of the failure in healthcare delivery, and identifying gaps in the existing regulatory framework. Employing a doctrinal and socio-legal methodology, the study draws upon the Nigerian constitution, applicable statutes, judicial decisions, international treaties, policy documents, reports and other relevant literature. Key findings of this paper reveal that the medical negligence crisis is deeply rooted in governmental neglect rather than mere individual faults, with strained health infrastructures and workforce shortages severely limiting the ability of healthcare practitioners to provide adequate care. This failure ultimately violates the constitutional and international rights to life, health, and dignity of patients in Nigeria. The study concludes that addressing medical negligence as a human rights issue requires governmental accountability and expanded healthcare investments. Recommendations for urgent legal reforms, enhanced healthcare funding, strengthened regulatory framework, and nationwide public awareness campaign

Keywords

; Medical NegligenceHuman RightsSocio-legal enquiryRight to LifeHealth

References

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