When Saving Lives Becomes A Crime
Femi Akintunde-Johnson There is something profoundly disturbing about watching a human being fight for life while the people and institutions expected to help appear more interested in paperwork, payment, police
The tragic death of a young gospel singer who underwent multiple hospital transfers before succumbing to his injuries has once again highlighted the precarious nature of Nigeria's healthcare system. The case, among many similar stories of victims denied timely medical assistance due to administrative hurdles, has sparked a debate on the need for stricter regulations in emergency treatment.
The proposed amendment to the National Health Act, 2014, which prescribes a six-month jail term or a fine of up to N300,000 for hospitals and healthcare providers who violate emergency treatment standards, has been broadly welcomed for its intention to establish enforceable timelines for emergency assessment, stabilisation, and referral.
However, the proposal has faced criticism from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), arguing that criminalising healthcare workers without addressing systemic deficiencies is unfair. The NMA points out the numerous challenges faced by Nigerian hospitals, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient personnel, shortages of essential medicines, and a migration of doctors and nurses, which have weakened an already overstretched workforce.
The association also highlights the inadequate implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, which is expected to support essential healthcare interventions, including emergency medical treatment.
Brief written by urgent.news from This Day's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
