The Nigerian Senate is considering a bill that could impose a fine of up to ₦300,000, a six-month prison sentence, or both on hospitals and healthcare providers that violate proposed emergency treatment standards.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the National Health Act 2014 to establish enforceable rules requiring public and private hospitals to provide timely medical attention to patients brought in for emergencies. Sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, the bill was debated during plenary on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
Under the proposed amendment, hospitals licensed to provide emergency medical services would be required to begin triage and initial assessment within 15 minutes of a patient’s arrival.
Where a licensed medical doctor is unavailable, a trained and certified nurse would be permitted to conduct the initial assessment.
The bill also proposes that hospitals commence basic stabilisation procedures within 30 minutes. These include oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, pain relief and preliminary diagnostic tests.
Facilities would also be required to provide immediate life-saving interventions, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), airway management and bleeding control, when a life-threatening condition is identified.
The proposed legislation also outlines specific timelines for admitting and transferring emergency patients. Hospitals would be expected to assign beds to patients requiring admission within two hours, subject to availability.
Where beds are unavailable, facilities would be required to stabilise patients and begin arrangements for referral to another hospital within two hours of arrival or as soon as the patient is considered stable for transfer.
The bill further requires hospitals to begin ambulance dispatch or arrange alternative transportation within 30 minutes of deciding to refer a patient elsewhere. Where necessary, referrals should be completed within three hours.
Beyond penalties for hospitals, the proposed amendment seeks to improve the skills of healthcare workers involved in emergency treatment.
It directs the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria to jointly develop a standardised national emergency care curriculum.
Healthcare workers involved in emergency medical services would also be required to undergo training and certification at intervals not exceeding 18 months.
Supporting the proposal, Senate Whip Senator Mohammed Monguno said stronger accountability could help reduce preventable deaths arising from road accidents, maternal emergencies and other critical medical conditions.
The proposal is aimed at ensuring that patients receive urgent medical attention regardless of their financial situation, social status or influence.
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