Senate Bill Proposes Jail Term and ₦300,000 Fine for Hospitals That Reject Emergencies

A bill under consideration by the Nigerian Senate proposes up to six months in prison, a ₦300,000 fine, or both for hospitals and healthcare providers that fail to give emergency treatment. The bill, introduced by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, aims to prevent patients from being turned away because they cannot pay or lack a police report. Under the proposal, hospitals would have to assess emergency patients within 15 minutes and begin initial stabilisation within 30 minutes. Facilities would also be required to provide immediate interventions for life-threatening conditions, such as CPR, airway management and bleeding control. The bill sets out rules for admission and referral when beds are unavailable. It also proposes a national emergency-care curriculum, with healthcare workers receiving training and certification at least every 18 months.

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