The Nigerian Senate has advanced a bill seeking to punish public and private hospitals that turn away emergency patients. The proposed legislation, which has passed its second reading, aims to amend the National Health Act, 2014, by introducing stricter rules for hospitals handling medical emergencies. Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, representing Katsina Central, sponsored the bill. If passed, hospitals rejecting emergency patients could face six months' imprisonment, a fine of up to ₦300,000, or both.
Under the proposed amendment, hospitals must follow specific timelines when attending to patients needing urgent medical attention. Hospitals have 15 minutes after a patient’s arrival to assess their condition and determine the level of care needed. A doctor must conduct the assessment, but a certified nurse can take charge if no doctor is available. The bill also requires medical facilities to begin stabilisation within 30 minutes, which may include oxygen, intravenous fluids, pain relief, and other procedures.
The proposed legislation outlines specific emergency treatment deadlines for hospitals. Initial treatment may include life-saving procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), airway management, and bleeding control when necessary. Hospitals must provide admission beds within two hours if they have available spaces. If a facility lacks an available bed, it must first stabilise the patient before arranging transfer to another hospital within the stipulated period.
The bill also seeks to strengthen emergency response through compulsory training and certification for relevant healthcare professionals. It directs the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria to develop a standard training programme for healthcare workers handling emergency cases. Under the proposal, practitioners must renew their emergency care certification every 18 months.
However, the bill recognises that some hospitals may lack the equipment, personnel, or other resources needed to meet every requirement. It protects healthcare practitioners from penalties when resource shortages prevent compliance, provided they document the challenges and follow the required emergency care and referral procedures. This provision aims to ensure that healthcare workers are not unfairly penalised for circumstances beyond their control.
After its second reading, the Senate referred the bill to its Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) for further consideration. The committee has four weeks to submit its report to the Senate. The proposal must complete the remaining legislative stages before it can become law. If passed, the bill could significantly improve emergency healthcare services in Nigeria.
The proposed legislation has the potential to transform the way hospitals handle emergency patients in Nigeria. By establishing clear guidelines and penalties for non-compliance, the bill aims to ensure that patients receive timely and adequate medical attention in emergency situations. The bill's progress will be closely watched by healthcare professionals, patients, and the general public.
Key points
- Hospitals rejecting emergency patients could face six months' imprisonment or ₦300,000 fine.
- The bill requires hospitals to begin stabilisation within 30 minutes of a patient's arrival.
- Healthcare workers must renew their emergency care certification every 18 months.
