Doctors Protest Police Harassment, Arrests, and Extortion in Lagos

The situation faced by doctors in Lagos, as chronicled by Sunday Vanguard, is deeply concerning and demands urgent attention. It is alarming to hear stories of medical professionals, who dedicate their lives to saving others, being subjected to arrest, detention, and even extortion. The accounts of doctors being treated as criminals after responding to emergencies, whether complicated surgeries or critical referrals, paint a disturbing picture of a system that appears to be failing its frontline caregivers. The alleged demand for large sums of money, as described by one surgeon, is particularly egregious and speaks to a level of corruption that is unacceptable. Similarly, the accusation of manslaughter against a doctor who acted responsibly by referring a critically ill child to a tertiary hospital highlights a fundamental misunderstanding of the medical profession and the inherent risks involved. This is not just about isolated incidents; it is about a pattern of harassment that discourages doctors and undermines the healthcare system. While the Lagos State Police Command's potential meeting with doctors offers a glimmer of hope, concrete actions are needed to ensure that doctors can perform their duties without fear of reprisal. The narrative that doctors are suspects rather than saviors must be urgently corrected, and accountability must be sought for those who engage in such predatory practices. This issue strikes at the heart of public health in Nigeria, and it is imperative that it is resolved swiftly and justly.

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They detained me overnight, demanded N500,000.