EST. 2026

The Archive

Law · REF. TA-21537

The Medical and Dental Practitioners Act and the Fight Against Medical Negligence: An Evaluation of Judicial Interpretation

Abstract

This study investigates the subject matter outlined in the title above through a structured research design appropriate to its academic level. Using primary and/or secondary data collection methods, the research examines the underlying variables, tests relevant hypotheses, and presents findings with implications for practice and policy. This is placeholder abstract text generated for catalogue preview purposes; the full document contains a complete, topic-specific abstract, literature review, methodology, data analysis, and conclusion.

Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

The Nigerian legal system has, over time, sought to address medical negligence through instruments such as the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, yet questions remain about how effectively the law achieves its intended purpose in practice.

Despite the existence of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, judicial interpretation continues to raise difficult questions in the context of medical negligence, particularly given gaps between the letter of the law and its practical enforcement.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, medical negligence persists in Nigeria, raising concerns about judicial interpretation and whether the current legal regime is adequate to the task. This study interrogates that gap between legislative intent and practical outcome.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

  1. To examine the legal framework governing medical negligence in Nigeria, particularly under the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act.
  2. To assess judicial interpretation as it relates to medical negligence.
  3. To identify the gaps between the law's provisions and its practical enforcement.
  4. To recommend legal and institutional reforms to strengthen the response to medical negligence.

1.4 Research Questions

  1. What does the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act provide in respect of medical negligence?
  2. What challenges arise in respect of judicial interpretation in relation to medical negligence?
  3. What gaps exist between the law's provisions and its practical enforcement?
  4. What reforms could strengthen Nigeria's legal response to medical negligence?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant to legal practitioners, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies grappling with medical negligence, offering a focused analysis of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act and its practical adequacy. It also contributes to the growing body of scholarship in law on Nigeria's response to this issue.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to a doctrinal and case-law analysis of medical negligence with particular focus on judicial interpretation, reflecting a clearly defined scope; it does not extend to a full empirical survey of enforcement outcomes nationwide.

Chapters Two through Five, references and appendices are available for a one-time fee of ₦75,000.

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