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 Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission's (FCCPC) power to investigate complaints regarding medical negligence. This decision came in response to a suit filed by Life Bridge Medical Diagnostic Centre Ltd, which challenged the FCCPC's jurisdiction to investigate healthcare service complaints.

The plaintiff argued that the FCCPC could not act without the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) concluding its concurrent jurisdiction. Justice Nwite dismissed this claim, stating that the FCCPC is authorized to oversee healthcare services under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) of 2018.

The court clarified that while medical practitioners are regulated by their respective professional bodies, the FCCPC's mandate includes ensuring quality and fair treatment in healthcare services. 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.