NARD rejects bill proposing jail for doctors over emergency delays, threatens nationwide strike
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has rejected a Senate bill that proposes six months' imprisonment or a ₦300,000 fine for healthcare professionals who delay emergency treatment. The bill, which has passed second reading, would introduce mandatory timelines for emergency care and referrals with sanctions for non-compliance.
NARD leadership—President Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko, Secretary-General Dr Besongngem Akotanchi, and Publicity Secretary Dr Ashimom Timothy—called the legislation punitive, arguing doctors shouldn't be criminalised for systemic failures: obsolete equipment, severe staff shortages, unreliable electricity, and inadequate emergency supplies. They warned of nationwide industrial action if the National Assembly proceeds.
The association highlighted Nigeria's failure to meet the 15% health budget commitment under the Abuja Declaration, challenging lawmakers to match their urgency on penalties with action on functional emergency departments, modern diagnostic equipment, reliable ambulances, and adequate staffing. NARD also warned criminalising doctors could accelerate the brain drain of medical professionals.
The association demands withdrawal of the punitive provisions, wider stakeholder consultations, and legislation guaranteeing healthcare funding and minimum emergency-care standards. They also challenged public officeholders to use Nigerian public hospitals instead of seeking treatment abroad.
With a potential nationwide doctors' strike looming, how should the government balance patient protection with addressing the root causes of emergency care failures?