Nigerian doctors reject proposed penalties for emergency care delays
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch
Nigerian doctors reject a bill proposing up to six months in prison or a 300,000 naira fine for healthcare workers who delay emergency care. The resident doctors' union is threatening a nationwide strike if the sanctions are retained, reports Punch.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the main professional association representing Nigerian doctors, and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), which represents doctors undergoing specialist training, reject the criminal penalties proposed in an amendment to the National Health Act for delays or refusals to provide emergency care, reports Punch. The bill provides for up to six months in prison, a fine of up to 300,000 naira, equivalent to approximately 220 dollars, or both for healthcare professionals and facilities found in breach.
The 2026 National Health Act Amendment Bill passed its second reading in the Senate on Wednesday following a voice vote and was referred to the Senate Committee on Tertiary and Primary Healthcare for review and a public hearing. Among other requirements, it stipulates an initial emergency assessment within 15 minutes of a patient's arrival and stabilisation measures, including oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids and pain treatment, within 30 minutes.
The NMA believes criminal penalties could expose doctors to prosecution for circumstances beyond their control. NARD is threatening to call a nationwide strike if the punitive provisions are retained. Both organisations cite, in particular, staff shortages, inadequate infrastructure, shortages of medicines and equipment, power and oxygen outages, as well as weaknesses in ambulance services and patient referral networks.
