“How many cases do we have today, Angel Gabriel, and what are they about?” asked Supreme Justice God, seated in the magnificent Supreme Court of the Heavens.
“My Lord, we have many cases listed today concerning medical malpractices in Nigeria. The plaintiffs are either Nigerian citizens or residents,” replied Angel Gabriel.
“Not again! This has become an epidemic,” exclaimed Supreme Justice God.
“It is, indeed, My Lord,” Angel Gabriel responded.
“Angel Gabriel, call the first case,” instructed Supreme Justice God.
“The case of CP, My Lord,” announced Angel Gabriel.
“Appearances?” asked Supreme Justice God.
“My Almighty Lord Justice, my name is Angel Raguel, appearing for the plaintiffs,” said Angel Raguel.
“And who is appearing for the respondents?” Supreme Justice God inquired.
“No one, Almighty Justice,” replied Angel Gabriel.
“Well then, Angel Raguel, state the relief you seek,” said Supreme Justice God.
“Given that the defendants in all the matters—NAIJA, Dokita, Ile Iwosan, et al.—have refused to enter an appearance, we request a default judgment for the remedies we seek. This includes injunctive relief to prevent the defendants from continuing their harmful practices or to mandate corrective actions,” responded Angel Raguel.
“Alright, speak to the first case, Angel Raguel,” instructed Supreme Justice God.
“The case of CP, My Lord: CP underwent a routine medical surgery and lost his life under questionable circumstances. Investigations are still ongoing, and we request an adjournment for this matter,” explained Angel Raguel.
“Proceed with some of the cases you wish to be considered today,” said Supreme Justice God.
“There is the case of Chief SG, who was misdiagnosed with prostate enlargement when this was not the case at all. We also have the case of Justice DH, who was injured in a car accident at night. The nearest hospital refused to admit him because the good Samaritans who brought him did not have the required deposit, and he died as a result.
Then, there is the case of Mrs. BC, who was made to undergo a Caesarean delivery for financial gain, despite the absence of medical necessity. Next, we have the case of PL, who broke his femur while playing soccer. When he was rushed to the hospital, he was told the surgeon was attending a friend’s party in another town. The delay in attending to him resulted in the loss of his leg.
There is also the case of WR, whose fibroid surgery—meant to be a simple procedure—led to her death. We have the case of KJ, who was rushed to the hospital in a taxi because there was no ambulance in a coma, but tragically, the hospital lacked the necessary emergency intervention equipment. Finally, we have the case of Dr. YM, who was diagnosed with an enlarged heart…”
“Very well, continue,” urged Supreme Justice God.
“Dr. YM, My Lord, was diagnosed with an enlarged heart, but due to negligence, the proper treatment was not provided. Despite the clear symptoms, he was mismanaged, leading to severe complications that now threaten his life,” Angel Raguel continued.
Supreme Justice God paused thoughtfully. “These are grievous cases, Angel Raguel. The loss of life and suffering due to negligence and malpractice is unacceptable. We cannot let this go unchecked.”
“Indeed, My Lord,” Angel Raguel agreed. “We ask for your divine intervention to bring justice to these plaintiffs. They seek compensation for their losses, as well as systemic reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
“And what kind of systemic reforms do you propose?” asked Supreme Justice God.
“We propose mandatory audits of all healthcare facilities in Nigeria, stringent enforcement of medical standards, compulsory continuing education for healthcare professionals, and severe penalties for institutions and practitioners found guilty of malpractice,” Angel Raguel replied.
“Are there any additional measures you believe necessary?” Supreme Justice God inquired.
“Yes, My Lord,” said Angel Raguel. “We also seek the establishment of a special tribunal to expedite medical malpractice cases and ensure that justice is served swiftly, so victims do not suffer further delays and denial of their rights.”
Supreme Justice God nodded. “Angel Gabriel, prepare to draft my ruling. We shall issue a default judgment in favor of the plaintiffs, granting the injunctive reliefs requested and ordering the defendants to implement corrective actions immediately.”
“Yes, My Lord,” responded Angel Gabriel.
“And for the other cases still under investigation,” continued Supreme Justice God, “they shall be adjourned until the necessary evidence and testimonies are presented. Justice must be served in full.”
“So it shall be,” Angel Gabriel affirmed.
“Let it be known,” Supreme Justice God proclaimed, “that in this Supreme Court of the Heavens, negligence and malpractice shall not go unpunished. All must know that justice and righteousness will prevail.”
The court was silent, and then Angel Gabriel called, “Next case!”
Angel Gabriel announced, “Next case, My Lord: The matter of Mr. AR, who was left unattended for hours in the emergency room, resulting in permanent disability. The attending staff were reportedly overwhelmed, but no measures were in place to handle the overflow of patients.”
Supreme Justice God sighed deeply. “Angel Raguel, what relief do you seek for Mr. AR?”
“My Lord, we request compensation for the pain and suffering endured by Mr. AR, as well as a mandate that hospitals must always have adequate staff on duty to handle emergencies. Furthermore, we propose that hospitals implement protocols to manage patient overflow effectively and ensure no one is left unattended,” Angel Raguel responded.
Supreme Justice God turned to Angel Gabriel. “And what is the current state of Nigeria’s healthcare system regarding these protocols?”
Angel Gabriel replied, “My Lord, many hospitals in Nigeria lack sufficient resources, staff, and emergency protocols. There is widespread evidence of inadequate funding, corruption, and neglect at various levels of the healthcare system.”
“Indeed, this is a tragic state of affairs,” Supreme Justice God stated gravely. “Such negligence endangers countless lives. We must act to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that real change is enforced.”
“Angel Raguel, do you have any additional cases for today’s hearing?” Supreme Justice God asked.
“Yes, My Lord. There is the case of Mrs. LO, who was given the wrong medication by a pharmacist due to a mix-up in prescriptions. She suffered a severe allergic reaction, and although she survived, she has been left with permanent health complications,” Angel Raguel continued.
“And what is your request for relief in Mrs. LO’s case?” asked Supreme Justice God.
“We request compensation for her suffering, mandatory checks and balances for prescription dispensing, and stricter penalties for pharmacies that fail to comply with these safety measures,” said Angel Raguel.
Supreme Justice God nodded. “I see the pattern here, Angel Raguel. It is clear that systemic issues plague the healthcare system in Nigeria, and without significant reform, these tragedies will continue. The Court shall order a comprehensive overhaul of healthcare regulations, mandating transparency, accountability, and rigorous oversight at all levels.”
“We are grateful, My Lord,” Angel Raguel responded.
“In addition,” Supreme Justice God continued, “we shall establish a celestial oversight committee to monitor compliance with these reforms and report back regularly on the progress. This Court will not rest until justice is served, and lives are protected.”
Angel Gabriel prepared to record the final judgment as Supreme Justice God spoke with authority. “Let it be known to all, both in the heavens and on earth, that the cries of the innocent will not go unheard. Every soul deserves the dignity of proper care, and every practitioner must honor their sacred duty to heal and protect. These judgments are decreed by the Supreme Court of the Heavens and shall be enforced without delay.”
A sense of justice filled the court, and with a resounding voice, Angel Gabriel declared, “Court is adjourned!”
NB: Johnson Babalola, a Canada based lawyer, leadership consultant and corporate emcee, is a public affairs analyst.
