Posted by Chinenye on Fri 06th Nov, 2026 - tori.ng
A new health bill is causing serious disagreement between lawmakers and Nigerian doctors.
(NARD. Photo by NaijaTrend)
Nigerian Doctors are protesting a new law that could send them to jail or fine them if they delay in treating emergency patients.
It says doctors should not be punished for failures caused by poor funding, weak hospital infrastructure and staff shortages.
The association made its position known in a statement signed by its President, Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko, Secretary General, Dr Besongngem Akotanchi, and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Ashimom Timothy.
It warned that it could take any lawful action, including a nationwide strike, if the National Assembly goes ahead with the proposed provisions.
The bill reportedly passed second reading in the Senate.
It sets time limits for emergency treatment and referrals and includes penalties for health workers and facilities that fail to comply.
NARD said it supports quick emergency care and professional accountability.
However, it said lawmakers must first fix the conditions doctors work in.
It listed outdated equipment, too few staff, unreliable electricity, shortages of emergency supplies and poor hospital buildings as major problems.
The association also criticised lawmakers for focusing on penalties for doctors while Nigeria still falls short of the 15 per cent health budget target under the Abuja Declaration.
It asked lawmakers to show the same urgency in providing working emergency departments, modern diagnostic tools, reliable ambulances, steady power and enough medical staff.
NARD warned that punishing doctors for things beyond their control could push more skilled professionals to leave the country.
It said a harsher working environment could speed up this brain drain.
It asked lawmakers to withdraw the punitive provisions and reconsider the bill after wider consultation with medical bodies, hospital managers, patients and other stakeholders.
It also called for a law that guarantees proper healthcare funding, minimum emergency care standards and accountability for institutional failures.
NARD said any protection for doctors in cases beyond their control must be clear, full and enforceable, so they are not blamed for missing equipment, staff shortages or other system failures.
The association also challenged public officials to show confidence in government hospitals by getting their own treatment there, rather than relying on overseas medical care.
NARD said the job of fixing Nigeria's health system cannot be handed to doctors under threat of jail.