Resident Doctors Oppose Proposed Jail Term Over Emergency-Care Delays
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has opposed proposed penalties that could expose healthcare professionals or facilities to imprisonment or fines for delays in providing emergency medical treatment.
The proposal is contained in a bill seeking to amend the National Health Act. It has passed second reading in the Senate but is not yet law. The bill proposes clearer timelines for assessment, stabilisation and referral of emergency patients, along with a maximum fine of ₦300,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both for violations.
NARD said it supports prompt emergency care but argued that doctors should not be criminally punished for failures caused by inadequate staffing, obsolete equipment, unreliable electricity, insufficient supplies and deteriorating hospital infrastructure.
The association asked lawmakers to reconsider the punitive provisions and consult healthcare professionals, hospital administrators, patient representatives and other stakeholders. It also urged the National Assembly to strengthen funding, minimum emergency infrastructure, staffing and referral systems.
NARD said it could consider lawful industrial action if legislation criminalised doctors for circumstances beyond their control. The proposed bill includes some protection where providers document resource constraints and follow required referral and reporting procedures, but NARD wants those safeguards made clearer and enforceable.
Sources: Premium Times; TheCable.
Featured image: Premium Times/Canva illustration. Used for editorial reporting.
