RESIDENT DOCTORS REJECT PROPOSED JAIL TERM OVER EMERGENCY TREATMENT DELAYS

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has rejected a proposed amendment to the National Health Act 2014 seeking to impose a six-month jail term or a fine of up to 300,000 naira on doctors over delays in emergency medical treatment. The association warned that criminalising healthcare professionals without addressing persistent challenges in hospitals could further weaken Nigeria’s healthcare system.

NARD stated its position in a statement signed by its President, Dr Ogar Idoko; Secretary-General, Dr Besongngem Akotanchi; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Ashimom Timothy, and made available to journalists on Friday, November 6, 2026. The proposed amendment, which has reportedly passed second reading in the Senate, is intended to address delays in emergency care.

While acknowledging the need for prompt medical attention and protection of patients from avoidable harm, the association said doctors often work under difficult conditions, including obsolete equipment, inadequate personnel, unreliable electricity, insufficient emergency supplies and deteriorating hospital facilities. It described these challenges as consequences of years of institutional neglect rather than professional negligence.

The association urged the National Assembly to prioritise healthcare funding, functional emergency departments, modern diagnostic equipment, reliable ambulance services and adequate staffing. It also called for legislation compelling public office holders to seek treatment in government hospitals, saying political leaders should demonstrate confidence in the healthcare system Nigerians depend on. NARD further warned that punitive measures could worsen the brain drain and discourage medical professionals from remaining in the country.

NARD called for the withdrawal and fundamental reconsideration of the proposed provisions. It warned that it could consider lawful measures, including nationwide industrial action, if doctors were unjustly criminalised, while pledging to safeguard emergency and critically ill patients.