Doctors Protest Harassment Warn Looming Healthcare Crisis Across Lagos State
Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – Medical doctors under the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners stage a joint protest over alleged harassment by law enforcement agencies.
The demonstration moved from Lagos State University Teaching Hospital to the police command headquarters on Saturday in Ikeja, with protesters carrying placards reading “Doctors are not criminals”.
ANPMP Lagos Chairman Jonathan Esegie says the protest reflects growing frustration.
“Doctors are being harassed, detained and treated like criminals without due process,” he states.
He warns that such actions disrupt healthcare delivery and endanger patients.
“If this continues, doctors will practise defensive medicine, which is dangerous for society,” Esegie adds.
NMA Lagos Chairman Babajide Saheed also condemns what he describes as multi-agency intimidation.
“We are human beings, not devils. Verify facts before accusing doctors,” he says.
The protest follows the detention of a doctor and nurse after the deaths of critically ill children in Lekki.
Esegie insists the patients were brought in severe condition, criticising the response of authorities.
He warns that continued harassment could accelerate brain drain.
“If this does not stop, doctors will leave, and healthcare delivery will suffer,” he says.
The associations plan to petition authorities and escalate actions if necessary.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
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