Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, who represents Katsina Central, sponsored the bill. It seeks to amend the National Health Act of 2014. The proposal has already passed second reading and been sent to the Senate Committee on Health for further work.
Under the bill, both public and private hospitals must:
• Assess every emergency patient within 15 minutes of arrival
• Begin basic stabilisation (oxygen, IV fluids, pain relief, and initial checks) within 30 minutes
• Carry out life-saving steps such as CPR, clearing airways, or stopping bleeding immediately when needed
• Complete referrals to other hospitals within three hours if they cannot handle the case
• Assign a bed within two hours if one is available
Hospitals would no longer be allowed to turn patients away because they cannot pay, lack a police report, or for any other reason. Healthcare workers involved in emergency care would also need regular training and certification every 18 months.
Senator Yar’Adua said the bill aims to stop preventable deaths caused by delays and rejection of patients in critical condition. Senate Whip Mohammed Monguno backed the proposal, noting that many people die from road accidents, childbirth complications, and other emergencies simply because hospitals refuse to act quickly.
The bill is not yet law. It still needs to pass further stages and receive presidential assent before it can take effect. Lawmakers also raised concerns about staff shortages, poor equipment, and inadequate funding in many hospitals.
The fine is small,they need stiffer measures.
ReplyDeleteNice one. So many avoidable deaths. I hope the hospitals will adhere to the set laws
ReplyDelete