The Senate has passed for second reading a bill seeking to punish hospitals and healthcare providers that refuse or delay emergency medical treatment, with a proposed penalty of up to six months’ imprisonment or a N300,000 fine.
The National Health Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua (APC, Katsina Central), seeks to establish mandatory timelines for emergency treatment, patient stabilization, and referrals in public and private hospitals.
Under the proposed legislation, hospitals would be required to assess emergency patients within 15 minutes of arrival and begin basic stabilization within 30 minutes. Life-saving procedures, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, airway management, and bleeding control, must commence immediately when necessary.
The bill also requires hospitals to arrange referrals within two hours where they cannot admit patients, while transfers should be completed within three hours, subject to circumstances beyond their control.
It further proposes regular emergency care training and certification for healthcare workers, with refresher training at intervals not exceeding 18 months.
Leading the debate on Wednesday, Yar’Adua said the amendment would address gaps in the existing National Health Act and ensure that Nigerians receive timely medical attention regardless of their financial status or social background.
He said the proposed law would also protect healthcare workers who act in good faith but face genuine resource limitations, provided they document the challenges and follow established referral procedures.
Supporting the bill, Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North), said it would help reduce preventable deaths from road accidents and maternal emergencies.
The Senate subsequently passed the bill for second reading and referred it to the Committee on Health for further legislative consideration. The committee was given four weeks to report back.
