The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike if the National Assembly proceeds with a proposed legislation seeking to criminalise delays in providing emergency medical treatment.
The association warned that doctors should not be held criminally responsible for challenges arising from poor hospital infrastructure, inadequate medical personnel and shortages of essential medical equipment.
NARD President, Dr Ogar Idoko, stated this in a statement issued in Calabar on Friday, expressing concern over provisions in a proposed amendment to the National Health Act.
The proposed legislation seeks to impose a six-month jail term or a fine of ₦300,000 on healthcare professionals found responsible for refusing or delaying emergency medical attention.
While acknowledging the importance of protecting patients and ensuring timely access to emergency healthcare, Idoko argued that lawmakers must first address the longstanding challenges affecting medical facilities across the country.
He identified outdated medical equipment, insufficient healthcare workers, unstable electricity supply and inadequate emergency medical supplies as some of the major obstacles confronting hospitals.
According to him, these systemic problems should not automatically be interpreted as professional negligence by doctors working under difficult conditions.
“The challenges are consequences of longstanding institutional neglect rather than professional negligence, so I urge lawmakers to prioritise healthcare funding and infrastructure,” Idoko said.
He challenged the National Assembly to demonstrate the same level of urgency in improving healthcare facilities and providing the resources required for effective emergency medical services.
“We also challenge the National Assembly to demonstrate similar legislative urgency in providing functional emergency departments, modern diagnostic equipment, reliable ambulance services and adequate personnel,” he added.
The NARD president also proposed legislation compelling public office holders to patronise government-owned hospitals in Nigeria.
He argued that sanctions should be introduced against public officials who misuse public resources to seek medical treatment abroad when the required services are available locally.
Idoko further warned that introducing additional criminal penalties for healthcare workers could worsen the country’s existing shortage of medical professionals by encouraging more doctors to leave Nigeria.
He described the potential consequences as the “Japan syndrome,” warning that the proposed legislation could further discourage doctors from remaining in the country’s healthcare system.
Although he acknowledged that the proposed bill reportedly contains provisions protecting healthcare workers in circumstances beyond their control, he insisted that such safeguards must be clearly defined and enforceable.
The association consequently called for a review and possible withdrawal of the controversial provisions, urging lawmakers to consult medical professionals, hospital administrators, patient representatives and other relevant stakeholders before proceeding.
It also demanded legislation guaranteeing adequate healthcare funding, minimum standards for emergency services, sufficient medical personnel, stable electricity and functional referral systems.
Idoko warned that NARD would explore all lawful options, including a nationwide industrial action, if the National Assembly proceeded with the proposed legislation without addressing the association’s concerns.
He, however, assured Nigerians that arrangements would be made to ensure that emergency cases and critically ill patients receive necessary attention during any industrial action.
The controversy follows the passage of a bill sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, representing Katsina Central Senatorial District, for second reading in the Senate on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
The proposed legislation seeks to establish penalties for hospitals and healthcare professionals who refuse or delay providing emergency medical treatment to patients.
