Practice Area
Health Law
Understanding your rights and duties in healthcare
Overview
Health law covers the legal relationships between patients, health practitioners, hospitals and clinics, pharmaceutical businesses, insurers and regulators. In Nigeria it draws on the National Health Act 2014, the laws that set up the professional councils for doctors, nurses and pharmacists, NAFDAC rules on medicines and medical devices, and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, which treats health information as sensitive personal data. We help patients and families understand their options, and help healthcare providers meet their legal duties.
Learn about Health Law
Health law is the set of rules that decide how healthcare is delivered, who may provide it, what patients are entitled to, and what happens when something goes wrong.
- It protects patients, for example through rules on consent, confidentiality and emergency care.
- It regulates providers, through licensing of practitioners, hospitals, clinics and pharmacies.
- It controls medicines and medical devices, which must meet NAFDAC requirements.
- It covers health insurance, public health measures and the handling of health data.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and legal requirements may vary depending on the circumstances and jurisdiction. Please consult a qualified lawyer for advice about your specific situation.
Services Offered
Getting Legal Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a copy of my medical records?
Patients generally have a right to information about their own health and treatment, and data protection law gives you a right to access personal data held about you. How and when a hospital must provide records can depend on the circumstances, so ask in writing and keep a copy of your request.
Does a bad treatment outcome always mean negligence?
No. Treatment can have a poor result even when care was proper. A negligence claim usually needs to show that the provider owed a duty, fell below the expected standard of care, and that this caused the harm. A lawyer, often with an independent medical opinion, can assess this.
Where can I complain about a doctor or nurse?
Besides the hospital itself, complaints about professional conduct can be made to the relevant regulatory council, such as the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for doctors and dentists. A complaint to a council is separate from a claim for compensation in court.
Speak to a Partner
Book a consultation and we will match your health law matter with the right partner.
Consultation Fees
Disclaimer: The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. No lawyer-client relationship is created by reading this page. Please book a consultation for advice specific to your situation.