The Nigerian Senate has advanced a bill seeking to punish hospitals and healthcare workers who reject or delay the treatment of emergency patients, proposing a six-month jail term, a fine or both for offenders.

The proposed amendment to the National Health Act 2014 seeks to establish mandatory timelines for emergency assessment and treatment in public and private hospitals.

Sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, the bill passed its second reading during Wednesday’s plenary on November 4, 2026.

Following the debate, it was referred to the Senate Committee on Health for further consideration.

Under the proposed amendment, hospitals would be required to assess emergency patients within 15 minutes of arrival and begin basic stabilisation within 30 minutes.

The required stabilisation measures would include providing oxygen, intravenous fluids, pain relief and preliminary diagnostic tests.

The proposal also stipulates that patients with life-threatening conditions must receive immediate medical attention.

Such interventions would include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), airway support and bleeding control.

The bill seeks to introduce criminal penalties for hospitals and healthcare workers who unlawfully refuse or delay emergency treatment.

Offenders could face up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine or both if the proposed amendment becomes law.

The bill is still undergoing legislative consideration and must complete the remaining stages of the lawmaking process before it can take effect.