The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has rejected a proposed law seeking to punish healthcare professionals and hospitals for delays in providing emergency medical treatment.

The proposed amendment to the National Health Act seeks to impose a six-month jail term or a fine of up to 300 thousand naira on healthcare workers and facilities found responsible for delays in emergency care.

The bill has reportedly passed its second reading in the Senate.In a statement signed by its President, Dr Ogar Idoko, Secretary General, Dr Besongngem Akotanchi, and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Ashimom Timothy, the association described the proposal as punitive and an attempt to criminalise doctors for failures beyond their control.

NARD said doctors across the country work under difficult conditions, including inadequate medical equipment, shortage of staff, unreliable electricity, insufficient emergency supplies and poor hospital infrastructure.

The association argued that lawmakers should address these challenges and improve funding for the health sector instead of introducing penalties against frontline medical workers.

It also expressed concern that the government had failed to meet the 15 per cent health budget allocation target under the Abuja Declaration.

NARD, however, maintained that it supports prompt emergency medical care but insisted that healthcare workers should not be punished for systemic failures they cannot control.