Abstract
Advances in management of clinical conditions are being made in several resource poor countries including Nigeria. Yet, the code of medical ethics which bars physician and health practices from advertising the kind of services they render deters these practices. This is worsened by the incursion of medical tourism facilitators (MTF) who continue to market healthcare services across countries over the internet and social media thereby raising ethical questions. A significant review of the advertisement ban in the code of ethics is long overdue. Limited knowledge about advances in medical practice among physicians and the populace, the growing medical tourism industry and its attendant effects, and the possibility of driving brain gain provide evidence to repeal the code. Ethical issues, resistance to change and elitist ideas are mitigating factors working in the opposite direction. The repeal of the code of medical ethics against advertising will undoubtedly favor health facilities in the country that currently cannot advertise the kind of services they render. A repeal or review of this code of medical ethics is necessary with properly laid down guidelines on how advertisements can be and cannot be done.
Highlights
Despite prevalent political and economic challenges, medical practice in Nigeria has experienced remarkable progress in recent years
The increasing recruitment of patients from Nigeria provide a call to action for hospital owners, the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners in Nigeria (AGPMPN), the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) the Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to begin advocacy for the repeal of the code of medical ethics against advertisement by physicians and health practices by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)
This paper argues for the repeal or significant review of the code of medical ethics which bars healthcare providers and institutions from advertising the kind of services rendered at their medical practices
Summary
Despite prevalent political and economic challenges, medical practice in Nigeria has experienced remarkable progress in recent years. The poor level of awareness and knowledge of available services by physicians and the general population can be attributed to a long standing medical code which bars orthodox health practitioners from advertising their services [1].
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