The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has opposed a proposed law seeking to punish healthcare workers with six months’ imprisonment or a ₦300,000 fine for delaying emergency medical treatment.
NARD President, Ogar Idoko, expressed the association’s opposition in a statement on Friday, describing the proposed amendment to the National Health Act as punitive and unfair to medical practitioners working in poorly equipped health facilities.
Idoko acknowledged the need for prompt emergency treatment and the protection of patients’ rights but argued that doctors should not face criminal prosecution for failures caused by deficiencies in the healthcare system.
He said medical professionals across the country operate under difficult conditions, including outdated medical equipment, inadequate personnel, unstable electricity supply and shortages of essential emergency supplies.
According to him, these challenges stem from years of institutional neglect rather than deliberate professional misconduct.
He urged lawmakers to address the underlying problems in the health sector by increasing funding and providing functional emergency units, modern diagnostic facilities, reliable ambulance services and sufficient medical personnel.
The NARD president also called on the National Assembly to consider legislation requiring public office holders to seek medical treatment in government-owned hospitals, with penalties for the misuse of public funds on avoidable medical trips abroad.
He warned that introducing additional criminal sanctions against already overstretched medical workers could worsen the country’s brain drain.
Although the association acknowledged that the proposed legislation reportedly provides exemptions for circumstances beyond healthcare professionals’ control, Idoko insisted that such safeguards must be clearly defined and enforceable.
He called for the withdrawal and reconsideration of the proposed punitive provisions, urging lawmakers to consult medical associations, hospital administrators, patient representatives and other relevant stakeholders before proceeding.
NARD further demanded legislation guaranteeing adequate healthcare funding, minimum standards for emergency services, sufficient staffing, uninterrupted electricity and effective referral systems.
The association warned that it could explore all lawful options, including nationwide industrial action, if the National Assembly proceeds with what it considers an unjust criminalisation of doctors for systemic failures.
However, Idoko said the association would make arrangements to ensure emergency and critically ill patients receive necessary care during any industrial action.
The Senate is currently considering a bill seeking to sanction hospitals and healthcare workers who refuse or delay emergency medical attention.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, representing Katsina Central Senatorial District, passed its second reading on Wednesday.
(NAN)