The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has rejected proposed legislation that would impose a six-month jail term or a ₦300,000 fine on healthcare professionals for delays in emergency medical treatment.
NARD President Dr Ogar Idoko said this in Calabar on Friday.
Idoko described the proposed amendment to the National Health Act as punitive, stating that doctors should not be criminalised for failures caused by inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
He said the association recognises the importance of prompt emergency care and patient protection but insisted that systemic challenges must be addressed before imposing criminal sanctions.
He noted that doctors across the country work under difficult conditions, such as obsolete equipment, inadequate staffing, unreliable electricity, and insufficient emergency medical supplies.
“These challenges result from longstanding institutional neglect, not professional negligence. I urge lawmakers to prioritise healthcare funding and infrastructure.
“We also call on the National Assembly to show the same legislative urgency in providing functional emergency departments, modern diagnostic equipment, reliable ambulance services, and adequate personnel,” he said.
He suggested lawmakers consider legislation requiring public office holders to use Nigerian government hospitals, with penalties for misuse of public resources on avoidable overseas medical treatment. He warned that imposing further criminal penalties on overstretched healthcare professionals could worsen the country’s brain drain, known as the “Japan syndrome.” He said the association acknowledges that the proposed bill reportedly includes safeguards for circumstances beyond practitioners’ control, but insisted these provisions must be explicit and enforceable.
He called for the withdrawal and reconsideration of the proposed punitive provisions, along with consultations involving healthcare associations, hospital administrators, patient representatives, and other stakeholders.
He urged the National Assembly to prioritise legislation that guarantees adequate health funding, minimum emergency care standards, appropriate staffing, constant electricity, and functional referral systems.
“We will consider all lawful options, including nationwide industrial action, if lawmakers proceed with legislation that unjustly criminalises doctors for institutional failures.
“However, we pledge to make necessary arrangements to protect emergency and critically ill patients during any industrial action, and we reaffirm our commitment to patient safety and quality healthcare,” he said.
NAN reports that the Senate is considering a bill that seeks to punish hospitals and healthcare workers who refuse or delay emergency medical treatment.
The bill, which passed its second reading on Wednesday, was sponsored by Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, representing Katsina Central Senatorial District.
