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Negligence: Why doctors need continuous medical-legal training – Lawyer

A legal practitioner has explained why doctors and other health workers need continuous training on medical and legal responsibilities. According to the lawyer, many negligence cases happen not because doctors are careless, but because they are not fully aware of their legal duties to patients. This lack of knowledge often leads to costly court cases and damaged professional reputations.

The lawyer said medical practice has changed over the years, and patients are now more aware of their rights. This means doctors must not only focus on treatment but also on consent, proper documentation, and clear communication. When these legal steps are ignored, even good medical work can be questioned in court.

He also noted that regular medical-legal training can help doctors understand what the law expects from them, how to avoid mistakes, and how to protect themselves professionally. Such training would help reduce conflicts between patients and doctors and improve trust in the healthcare system.

The lawyer concluded that continuous legal education should become part of medical training in Nigeria. He said this would protect both patients and doctors, reduce negligence cases, and promote a safer and more accountable health system.

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