The Nigerian Senate is considering a proposed law that could see hospitals and healthcare providers face up to six months in prison, a ₦300,000 fine, or both for failing to provide timely emergency medical treatment to patients.
The proposed amendment to the National Health Act, 2014, sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, is aimed at strengthening emergency healthcare delivery, preventing avoidable deaths and improving the handling of patients requiring urgent medical attention.
Under the proposed legislation, both public and private hospitals would be required to assess emergency patients within 15 minutes of arrival, commence initial stabilisation within 30 minutes and complete necessary referrals within three hours.
The bill also mandates immediate life-saving interventions, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), airway management and bleeding control, once a life-threatening condition is identified.
Hospitals would further be expected to provide basic stabilisation services such as oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, pain relief and preliminary diagnostic procedures.
The proposed law also requires hospitals to provide admission beds within two hours, subject to availability. Where beds are unavailable, facilities must stabilise patients and commence referral arrangements within the stipulated period or when patients are medically fit for transfer.
Additionally, ambulance dispatch or alternative transportation must begin within 30 minutes after a referral decision is made.
The bill also seeks to strengthen professional training by directing the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria to establish a national emergency care curriculum.
Under the proposal, relevant healthcare workers would be required to undergo emergency care training and certification at least once every 18 months.
If passed into law, the amendment is expected to strengthen accountability in Nigeria’s healthcare system and ensure that patients in life-threatening situations receive prompt medical attention.
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