Medical Malpractice in Public Health Emergencies: A Review of Medical Response to COVID-19 in Nigeria

Abstract

The Article establishes that in a pandemic situation, there is a duty to prevent the transmission of disease & an established duty of care to all other patients. The upsurge in demand for health services in a pandemic situation should not excuse or justify the breach of this duty of care which can result in any harm or injury being done to a patient.

In a pandemic situation, the rejection of patients by hospitals, the failure to pay special attention to patients even in isolation centres e.t.c can be adjudged as negligent actions for which medical practitioners & medical institutions can be liable.

Keywords: duty of care, medical malpractice, COVID-19,