# NMA Challenges Proposed Sanctions on Health Workers Over Emergency Care

- Link: https://viralbrief.top/nma-challenges-proposed-sanctions-on-health-workers-over-emergency-care/
- Published: 2026-11-06T01:21:24+00:00
- Author: Olamide

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has formally rejected a legislative proposal
currently under consideration by the National Assembly that seeks to impose fines
and imprisonment on healthcare workers who refuse to treat emergency patients. According
to a statement released on November 5, 2026, by NMA President Prof. Afekhide Ernest
Omoti, the association views the proposed punitive measures as unjust and misdirected.

## The Argument Against Punitive Legislation

Prof. Omoti argues that the focus of the National Assembly should be on holding 
the government accountable for the current state of the healthcare sector rather
than criminalizing medical professionals. The NMA maintains that the existing National
Health Act (NHA) already provides a legal framework prohibiting the refusal of emergency
care. Therefore, the association suggests that the issue is not a lack of legislation,
but a failure to implement existing laws and provide the necessary resources for
their execution.

## Financial and Infrastructure Barriers

A central point of contention for the NMA is the implementation of the Basic Health
Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), established under Section 6 of the National Health 
Act. Prof. Omoti noted that this fund is intended to support emergency medical treatment
and ensure that facilities are not left to bear the financial burden of such care
alone. However, the NMA reports that the current implementation of the BHCPF remains
inadequate, leaving many hospitals to absorb significant costs without reimbursement.

Beyond financial constraints, the NMA highlighted several systemic issues that hinder
emergency service delivery:

 * **Manpower Shortages:** Poor remuneration and unfavorable working conditions 
   have led to a significant migration of doctors and nurses, resulting in overwhelming
   workloads for remaining staff.
 * **Infrastructure Deficiencies:** Many facilities lack basic life-saving equipment,
   including functional ambulances, oxygen, blood products, and essential medical
   consumables.
 * **Operational Constraints:** The combination of inadequate supplies and staffing
   shortages makes it physically impossible for many facilities to meet the demands
   of emergency care.

## A Call for Systemic Reform

The NMA president questioned the logic of threatening health workers with imprisonment
for situations that are largely beyond their control. He emphasized that the current
environment is already demoralizing for the workforce, and punitive measures could
further exacerbate the exodus of medical talent from the country.

The association has urged the Senate to reconsider the proposed amendment and instead
redirect legislative efforts toward addressing the fundamental deficiencies in the
healthcare system. By focusing on the provision of infrastructure, adequate funding,
and improved working conditions, the NMA believes the government can create an environment
where emergency medical services can be effectively and safely delivered to all 
citizens.

## Conclusion

The debate between the NMA and the National Assembly highlights the ongoing tension
between legislative attempts to ensure patient safety and the practical realities
of a strained healthcare system. As the proposal awaits further deliberation, the
medical community remains firm in its stance that sustainable improvements in patient
outcomes require addressing the root causes of hospital dysfunction rather than 
imposing criminal liability on those working within the system.

<

p class=”vbna-source-note”>**Source:** [Daily Post Nigeria](https://dailypost.ng/2026/11/05/emergency-patients-fix-hospitals-before-punishing-health-workers-nma-tells-nass-2/)

  TL;DR (AI Generated)

The Nigerian Medical Association has rejected a proposed legislative bill that seeks
to impose fines and imprisonment on healthcare workers who refuse to treat emergency
patients.

NMA President Prof.

Afekhide Ernest Omoti argues that the focus should instead be on holding the government
accountable for systemic failures such as infrastructure deficiencies, manpower 
shortages, and inadequate funding.

The association emphasizes that criminalizing medical professionals is unjust when
the current environment lacks the necessary resources and implementation of existing
health acts to safely deliver emergency care.

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