From Premium Times Nigeria · Abdulqudus Ogundapo · · 2m
Nigerian lawmakers propose six-month jail term for doctors, nurses who delay emergency treatment
Nigerian lawmakers pass bill to jail doctors and nurses who delay emergency treatment for up to six months.
In brief
Nigerian lawmakers pass bill to jail doctors and nurses who delay emergency treatment for up to six months. Nigerian lawmakers passed a bill requiring hospitals to treat emergency patients within 15 minutes and imposing six-month jail terms for healthcare workers who delay treatment. Originally reported by Premium…
Senate passes bill
![Senate chambers during plenary. [PHOTO CREDIT: @NgrSenate on Facebook]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2021/02/148413548_3702365636485418_729514561228425031_o.jpg?w=1080&ssl=1)
The Senate passed a bill to amend Nigeria’s National Health Act with a six-month jail term for healthcare workers who delay emergency treatment.
Bill details
The bill requires hospitals to treat emergency patients within 15 minutes and begin stabilisation within 30 minutes of arrival.
Sponsor and key provisions
Abdulaziz Yar’adua (APC, Katsina Central) sponsored the bill, which mandates immediate life-saving interventions and prohibits hospital rejections of emergency patients.
Patient death cases
Several patients died after being denied emergency treatment due to lack of police reports or bed space at hospitals.
Bayo Ohu case
In September 2009, journalist Bayo Ohu was shot in Lagos and died after being denied treatment because his relatives lacked a police report.
Moradeun Balogun case
In November 2019, podcast host Moradeun Balogun was stabbed in Lagos and died after being denied treatment due to lack of a police report.
Ebenezer Ayeni case
In 2021, music producer Ebenezer Ayeni was shot in Ibadan and died after being denied treatment due to lack of bed space at hospitals.
Greatness Olorunfemi case
In October 2.
Other cases
An unidentified boy died after being denied treatment at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi due to lack of bed space.
Bill’s impact
The bill aims to address patient deaths by establishing mandatory timelines for emergency treatment and referral protocols.
Patient admission timelines
For admitted patients, hospitals must assign a bed within two hours of arrival, or begin resuscitation and referral within two hours.
Referral process
Hospitals must complete patient transfers within three hours of arrival, except when external circumstances prevent compliance.
Healthcare worker protections
Healthcare workers can document inability to meet timelines due to resource shortages and report to management.
Bill’s significance
The bill responds to patient deaths caused by hospital delays and aims to improve emergency care standards in Nigeria.
The main idea
Nigerian lawmakers passed a bill requiring hospitals to treat emergency patients within 15 minutes and imposing six-month jail terms for healthcare workers who delay treatment.
