By Chioma Okoye
The Concerned Community Health Practitioners and Advocates of PHC in Nigeria (CCHPAPN) has called for an urgent review and broader stakeholder engagement on the proposed Community Health Practitioners (Registration, Etc.) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (HB. 2702), warning that certain provisions could weaken Nigeria’s primary healthcare structure.

In a statement issued by its Chairperson, Dosunmu Adebowale Oluwatimilehin, the coalition said while it supports legislative reforms in principle, the current bill in circulation may unintentionally undermine the country’s frontline healthcare delivery system.

The group expressed particular concern over the proposed restructuring of the regulatory board, which it said reduces the participation of experienced practitioners in decision-making. It warned that such changes could create a disconnect between policy formulation and the realities of healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.

CCHPAPN stressed that community health workers remain central to Nigeria’s primary healthcare system, especially in rural areas where they provide essential services such as immunisation, maternal care, and early disease detection.

The association identified three key areas it believes require urgent attention in the proposed legislation.

First, it cautioned that limiting the role of Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) in leadership structures could discourage professionals and worsen brain drain from rural health facilities to urban centres and abroad.

Second, it warned that weakening primary healthcare delivery could increase reliance on expensive tertiary hospitals, thereby raising out-of-pocket healthcare costs for families and placing additional pressure on the national health budget.

Third, it emphasised that community health workers play a critical role in national health security, particularly in preventing maternal and infant mortality through early intervention and outreach services.

The group urged the National Assembly and the Federal Government to ensure a transparent and inclusive consultation process involving all relevant stakeholders before further legislative action is taken on the bill.

CCHPAPN also called on traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and the general public to support efforts aimed at achieving a stronger and more equitable healthcare system.

It reaffirmed its readiness to work with government institutions to ensure that any amendments ultimately strengthen Nigeria’s primary healthcare framework and improve service delivery nationwide.