Imagine the heartbreak of a loved one suffering in pain, needing urgent care, and being denied the life-saving treatment they deserve—all because of an inability to pay upfront or make an initial deposit of a certain sum demanded by the hospital. This is not just a tragic story; it is a sad reality that many families face when hospitals refuse or deny them treatment in emergency situation due to financial constraints.
Just few weeks ago, a heart broken husband shared a viral video of how his pregnant wife, who was in labor and in excruciating pain, was rushed to a hospital for delivery, but instead of receiving the care she desperately needed, she was turned away because her husband could not afford the N500,000:0 demanded by the hospital for emergency treatment.
By the time they could reach another hospital, it was too late. She tragically passed away leaving her husband and children heartbroken.
She was in labour,
She needed help,
but N500,000:00 stood between her and the care she desperately required.
She died waiting, because her husband couldn’t pay.
A life lost.
A child never born.
A family shattered.
This didn’t need to happen.
It should never happen.
When every second counts, ignorance should not be the cause of death.
Under Section 20 of the National Health Act, 2014, denying or refusing a patient emergency medical treatment for any reason is an offence punishable with a fine of *N100,000:00, or a jail term not exceeding 6 months or both.
However, despite the law, countless lives are still being lost, and patients are left in the hands of a system that fails them.
But how many Nigerians know this?
How many Lawyers know this?
How many Patients know this?
How many Health Workers understand the weight of their obligation?
In the face of emergency, law and life intersect — and ignorance is no longer an excuse.
Join the Medical and Health Law Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Garki Branch for a crucial and timely Medical Law Webinar:
Topic: Emergency Medical Treatment and the Law
Date: Tuesday, 22nd April, 2025
Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Venue: Zoom
(Use this link to register: https://bit.ly/3RSu5lj)
Guest Speaker:
Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe — Managing Partner, Health Ethics and Law Consulting / Professor of Health Law, Babcock University.
Host:
Anthony Bamidele Ojo, Esq. — Chairman, NBA Garki Branch.
Convener:
Ebenezer Egwuatu, Esq. — Chairman, Medical and Health Law Committee, NBA Garki Branch, Abuja.
Moderator:
Dr. Ninnah Samuel — Member, Medical and Health Law Committee, NBA Garki Branch, Abuja.
This event is designed to:
• Educate Healthcare Professionals on the ethical and legal obligation to provide emergency care.
• Empower Lawyers with the knowledge of the legal provisions surrounding emergency treatment and the steps to seek justice for victims.
• Equip Patients and Families with the knowledge of their rights under the law, ensuring they know how to advocate for themselves or their loved ones when faced with an emergency.
We understand the deep helplessness that comes from losing a loved one due to negligence. We also understand the frustration of healthcare professionals caught between duty and financial policies.
However, we believe that justice is possible — and awareness is the first step.
Whether you are a Doctor, Nurse, Lawyer, or Patient, this webinar will help you understand the law, empower you to take action, and create a world where no one has to face rejection in the face of medical emergency.
It’s time to make sure every patient is treated with dignity, care, and respect. It’s time to stand up for your rights.
Join us for this life-changing event.
Learn how you can be a part of the change.
Together, we can ensure that no more lives are lost due to neglect.
See flier for details.
Read More:
Institute of Medical and Health Law: National Medical and Health Law Conference & Induction 2024
EXPLORE THE LEGAL DIMENSIONS OF SURROGACY IN NIGERIA!
