Healthcare Providers Warn New Bill May Increase Treatment Costs

Hope Ajayi August 6, 2026 2 minutes read

LAGOS, Nigeria – The Healthcare Providers’ Association of Nigeria (HACPAN) has expressed concern over the proposed National Health Facility Regulatory Agency of Nigeria (NHFRA) Bill, warning that creating another regulatory agency could increase operating costs for healthcare providers and place additional financial burdens on patients.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Thursday, HACPAN National President, Dr Austine Aipoh, said the association supports stronger regulation, improved patient safety and higher healthcare standards but questioned the need for another regulatory institution.

He argued that Nigeria already has several agencies overseeing healthcare regulation, including the Federal and State Ministries of Health, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).

According to him, establishing another regulator would duplicate existing responsibilities, increase inspections, accreditation requirements and compliance costs for healthcare facilities. Healthcare Providers Warn New Bill May Increase Treatment Costs

“The common man out there will bear the brunt,” Aipoh said, warning that additional regulatory expenses would eventually be transferred to patients already struggling with rising healthcare costs.

He said HACPAN presented its concerns during a Senate public hearing on the bill on July 9, urging lawmakers to prioritise strengthening existing institutions rather than creating new ones.

Aipoh also questioned proposals allowing franchisees to conduct regulatory inspections, stressing that the government should instead improve the capacity, coordination and digitisation of existing regulatory agencies.

He maintained that improved collaboration among regulators would enhance healthcare quality without creating unnecessary administrative and financial burdens.

HACPAN called on the National Assembly to reconsider the proposed legislation and focus on reforms that strengthen oversight, improve efficiency and support progress towards Universal Health Coverage.