DenyThe Nigerian Senate has passed for Second Reading a bill seeking to compel all public and private hospitals to provide emergency medical care to any person in need, regardless of financial status.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Abdul’aziz Musa Yar’Adua of Katsina Central, seeks to amend the National Health Act, 2014.
It proposes a fine of up to N300,000, or 6 months imprisonment, or both, for any hospital or health worker found guilty of refusing emergency care.
The 6 Key Provisions of the Bill include Mandatory Emergency Care:No hospital shall refuse a patient in emergency due to inability to pay. Patients must be assessed within 15 minutes of arrival, Treatment in 30 Minutes:_* Life-saving treatment like oxygen, IV fluids and bleeding control must commence within 30 minutes.
A bed must be provided within 2 hours where admission is required,
Referral Protocol: If no bed is available, the hospital must stabilize the patient and arrange referral/ambulance within 30 minutes.
Training: Health workers must be trained and certified in emergency care, with recertification every 18 months.
Sen.Yar’Adua said the bill will help reduce preventable deaths, especially maternal deaths and road accident victims.
The Senator was supported by Senators Mohammed Monguno and Diket Plang, saying it will save lives, especially in rural areas.
Sen. Francis Faduyile however expressed concern over punishing doctors without addressing shortages of staff, equipment and oxygen.
In his contribution, the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro called for an end to demanding police reports before treating patients, stressing that “saving life must come first.”
In his remarks, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio emphasized the need for collaboration between Federal, State and Local Governments to equip hospitals.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) to report back in 4 weeks.
It should be noted that the bill is yet to become law. It must pass through further legislative processes.
