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

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has rejected a bill, which passed second reading in the Senate, amending the National Health Act to impose a six-month jail term or N300,000 fine on healthcare providers for emergency care delays, arguing doctors should not be punished for failures caused by poor funding, infrastructure and staffing, and threatening nationwide industrial action if lawmakers proceed, while urging them to prioritise health-sector funding and consult stakeholders, 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.