Court Upholds FCCPC's Authority in Medical Negligence Cases

On April 15, 2023, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, upheld the powers of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate complaints regarding medical negligence. This decision arose from a case filed by Life Bridge Medical Diagnostic Centre Ltd, which challenged the FCCPC's jurisdiction to investigate healthcare service complaints.

The court dismissed the plaintiff's argument that the FCCPC could not act without the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) concluding its own investigation. Justice Nwite ruled that the FCCPC's mandate under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) encompasses healthcare services, affirming that consumer complaints related to healthcare fall within the commission's oversight.

Mr. Tunji Bello, the FCCPC's Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, described the judgment as a significant affirmation of consumer rights in the healthcare sector, highlighting the importance of fair treatment and quality service delivery.