NARD Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Proposed Jail Term, ₦300,000 Fine For Doctors

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike if the National Assembly proceeds with proposed amendments to the National Health Act without addressing concerns raised by healthcare professionals.

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The proposed amendment seeks to impose a six-month jail term or a ₦300,000 fine on healthcare professionals found guilty of delaying or failing to provide emergency medical treatment.

NARD President, Dr Ogar Idoko, said the association supports efforts to protect patients and ensure timely access to emergency care but warned that punishing doctors without addressing the challenges facing hospitals would be unfair.

Idoko made the position known in a statement issued in Calabar on Friday.

NARD Says Poor Hospital Conditions Should Not Be Blamed On Doctors

The association argued that delays in emergency treatment are sometimes caused by systemic problems beyond the control of medical personnel.

According to Idoko, several hospitals across the country are struggling with outdated medical equipment, inadequate staffing, unreliable electricity supply and shortages of emergency medical supplies.

He maintained that these challenges are consequences of years of institutional neglect rather than professional negligence.

“The challenges are consequences of longstanding institutional neglect rather than professional negligence, so I urge lawmakers to prioritise healthcare funding and infrastructure,” he said.

The NARD president also challenged lawmakers to demonstrate similar urgency in providing functional emergency departments, modern diagnostic equipment, reliable ambulance services and adequate medical personnel.

Doctors Demand Withdrawal And Review Of Proposed Penalties

Idoko called on the National Assembly to withdraw and review the proposed provisions, insisting that doctors and other relevant stakeholders must be consulted before the amendment is passed into law.

He acknowledged the importance of protecting patients but said any legislation introducing criminal sanctions must clearly distinguish between deliberate professional misconduct and delays caused by circumstances beyond healthcare workers’ control.

Although the proposed bill reportedly contains safeguards for situations outside the control of medical professionals, Idoko insisted that such protections must be clearly defined and enforceable.

He urged lawmakers to consult doctors, hospital administrators, patient representatives and other stakeholders to ensure that the proposed law addresses the realities of Nigeria’s healthcare system.

NARD Wants Public Officials Compelled To Use Nigerian Hospitals

The association also called for legislation compelling public office holders to patronise government-owned hospitals in Nigeria.

Idoko proposed sanctions for public officials who misuse government resources to seek medical treatment abroad when the required services are available locally.

He argued that government officials should demonstrate confidence in the country’s healthcare system by supporting and using public medical facilities.

The NARD president further warned that imposing additional criminal penalties on doctors working under difficult conditions could worsen the migration of medical professionals from Nigeria.

He described the potential consequences as the “Japan syndrome,” according to the statement.

Association Demands Better Healthcare Funding And Emergency Services

Beyond opposing the proposed penalties, NARD called for legislation guaranteeing adequate healthcare funding and minimum standards for emergency medical services.

Its demands include sufficient medical personnel, functional emergency departments, reliable electricity, modern diagnostic equipment, adequate emergency supplies and effective referral systems.

The association maintained that improving these facilities would help hospitals respond more effectively to emergencies and reduce preventable delays in treatment.

Nationwide Strike Possible If Lawmakers Ignore Doctors

Idoko warned that NARD would consider all lawful options, including a nationwide industrial action, if lawmakers proceed with the proposed amendment without addressing the association’s concerns.

However, he assured Nigerians that the association would make arrangements to protect emergency cases and critically ill patients in the event of a strike.

The warning raises fresh concerns about the possible disruption of healthcare services if the disagreement between doctors and lawmakers escalates.

Senate Considers Bill Sponsored By Abdulaziz Yar’Adua

The Senate is reportedly considering a bill seeking to punish hospitals and healthcare professionals who refuse or delay emergency medical treatment.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, who represents Katsina Central Senatorial District, reportedly passed its second reading on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.

The proposed amendment has generated concerns among resident doctors, who argue that accountability for emergency treatment delays must go hand in hand with improved hospital infrastructure, adequate staffing and sustainable healthcare funding.