Emergency patients: Fix hospitals before punishing health workers - NMA tells NASS

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has objected to a proposed law by the National Assembly that would impose fines and imprisonment on healthcare workers who refuse emergency patients. NMA President Prof. Afekhide Ernest Omoti criticized the legislation as unjust, urging lawmakers to instead compel governments to improve hospital conditions.

Omoti argued that existing provisions in the National Health Act already protect patients requiring emergency care and that criminal liability is unfair when governments have failed to provide the necessary resources. He emphasized that the critical issue is not the lack of legislation, but the failure to implement it effectively and create an enabling environment for healthcare facilities.

Omoti highlighted that inadequate implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) leaves hospitals responsible for covering the costs of emergency treatment. He also pointed out the shortage of healthcare professionals, poor remuneration, and the need for better working conditions, infrastructure, and essential medical supplies as major challenges facing Nigeria's healthcare system.

Omoti urged the National Assembly to address these systemic issues rather than introducing punitive measures against health workers.