The Legal Rights and Challenges of COVID-19 Patients Accessing Private Healthcare in Nigeria

Paul Atagamen Aidonojie (Faculty of Law, Edo State University Uzairue, Edo State)
Nosakhare Okuonghae (Faculty of Law, Glorious Vision University, Ogwa Edo State)
Kingsley Eghonghon Ukhurebor (Faculty of Law, Edo State University Uzairue, Edo State)

Bestuur
Vol 10, No 2 (2022): Bestuur

The COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed healthcare providers all over the world. Nigeria has also had its fair share of the health crisis caused by COVID-19. Despite the apparent shortcomings of public healthcare in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, the participation of private healthcare providers in caring for COVID-19 patients in Nigeria has been limited by legal and regulatory constraints. This study employs a hybrid research method. The study found insufficient medical facilities and care for COVID-19 patients in government-owned isolation centers. It was concluded and recommended that there is a need to whittle down the laws and regulations limiting private health providers from caring for COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, there is a need to set some ethics and guidelines for private healthcare providers who intend to care for COVID-19 patients.