Senate Proposes Strict Penalties for Hospitals on Emergency Care

On November 5, the Nigerian Senate passed for second reading a bill aimed at improving emergency medical treatment standards. Sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (Katsina Central), the bill proposes a six-month jail term or a fine of up to N300,000 for hospitals that fail to comply with the new standards.

The legislation seeks to amend the National Health Act, 2014, and requires hospitals to assess emergency patients within 15 minutes, begin initial stabilization within 30 minutes, and complete referrals within three hours if necessary. Senator Yar’Adua emphasized that the amendment would address critical gaps in Nigeria's healthcare system, ensuring timely treatment for all patients regardless of their status.

The bill mandates that healthcare workers involved in emergency care undergo training and certification every 18 months. Additionally, hospitals must provide basic stabilization within 30 minutes and assign beds to patients needing admission within two hours.

The Senate Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno (Borno North), supported the bill, highlighting its potential to prevent avoidable deaths.