The Nigerian Senate is considering a bill that proposes a six-month jail term or a fine of up to N300,000 for hospitals and healthcare providers that violate proposed emergency treatment standards. The bill, sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar'Adua, seeks to amend the National Health Act, 2014, to establish enforceable standards for emergency medical treatment, healthcare workers' training, and patient referral procedures. This move aims to address critical gaps in Nigeria's healthcare system.
The proposed legislation requires public and private hospitals to assess emergency patients within 15 minutes of arrival, commence initial stabilization within 30 minutes, and complete referrals to other facilities within three hours where necessary. Hospitals would also be required to begin basic stabilization measures, including oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, pain relief, and preliminary diagnostic procedures, within 30 minutes of a patient's arrival. These measures are expected to ensure that patients receive timely, life-saving treatment during emergencies.
The bill also mandates that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria jointly develop and maintain a standardized national emergency care curriculum. All healthcare workers involved in the provision of emergency medical care would be required to undergo such training and certification at intervals not exceeding 18 months. This move is expected to enhance the skills of healthcare workers in providing emergency medical care.
According to Senator Yar'Adua, the proposed amendment is consistent with international practices, citing Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The bill has garnered support from some lawmakers, including the Senate Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno, who believes that it would address avoidable deaths arising from road accidents and maternal emergencies. He lamented that some healthcare providers neglected emergency patients, resulting in preventable deaths.
The proposed legislation introduces criminal liability for violations of emergency treatment standards. A person or health facility that contravenes any provision of this section commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding ₦300,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both. This move is expected to ensure that hospitals and healthcare providers adhere to the proposed emergency treatment standards.
The bill also requires hospitals to assign a bed within two hours, subject to availability, where a patient requires admission. Facilities without available beds must immediately stabilize patients and commence referral arrangements within two hours of arrival or as soon as the patient is assessed and considered stable for transfer. Hospitals would also be required to begin ambulance dispatch or arrange alternative transportation within 30 minutes of deciding to refer a patient.
The proposed amendment is expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria's healthcare system. With the bill's passage, hospitals and healthcare providers would be held accountable for providing emergency medical care. The Senate has given the bill its consideration, and its passage would bring Nigeria in line with international best practices in emergency medical care.
Key points
- The Nigerian Senate is considering a bill that proposes a six-month jail term or a fine of up to N300,000 for hospitals and healthcare providers that violate proposed emergency treatment standards.
- The proposed legislation requires hospitals to assess emergency patients within 15 minutes of arrival and commence initial stabilization within 30 minutes.
- The bill introduces criminal liability for violations of emergency treatment standards, with a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.
