NARD Rejects Bill Seeking Six-Month Jail Term for Doctors and Threatens Strike

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) opposes an amendment to the National Health Act that would set mandatory timelines for emergency care and impose up to six months in jail or a fine of 300,000 naira for noncompliance. The association, led by President Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko, says doctors should not be punished for failures caused by inadequate funding, staff shortages and poor hospital infrastructure. NARD warned it may consider a nationwide strike if lawmakers proceed with the bill, which has passed its second reading in the Senate. It called for the punitive provisions to be withdrawn and for better funding, functional emergency services and clear protections when circumstances are beyond medical workers’ control.