Resident doctors threaten strike over proposed jail term for emergency care delays

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has threatened a nationwide strike over a Senate bill proposing a six-month jail term or N300,000 fine for healthcare providers who delay emergency treatment, Premium Times reported.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened a nationwide strike over a proposed six-month jail term for healthcare workers who delay emergency treatment, Premium Times reported.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, passed second reading in the Senate on Wednesday. It proposes a fine of up to N300,000, six months’ imprisonment, or both, for violations.

It requires hospitals to begin emergency assessment within 15 minutes of a patient’s arrival.

“It is unacceptable to punish doctors for the consequences of a healthcare system that successive governments have failed to adequately fund, equip and staff,” the association said.

“You cannot legislate oxygen into an empty cylinder, electricity into a dark operating theatre, or life-saving equipment into an inadequately funded hospital,” they said.

NARD warned the penalties could worsen brain drain and suggested public officeholders be required to seek treatment in Nigerian government hospitals.

It said it would protect emergency and critically ill patients in the event of a strike.