Nigeria's National Health Act 2014 guarantees emergency treatment regardless of ability to pay, prohibits detaining patients for unpaid bills, and requires informed consent before treatment. Violations carry fines and imprisonment.
The National Health Act 2014 (No. 8 of 2014) is the primary legislation regulating the health system and patients' rights in Nigeria. Key provisions: **Emergency treatment (s. 20(1))**: A health care provider, health worker, or health establishment shall not refuse a person emergency medical treatment on the grounds that the person is unable to pay. Denying emergency care is an offence punishable by fine and imprisonment. **No detention of patients or bodies (s. 20)**: A health establishment shall not detain a patient, refuse necessary health services, or withhold a deceased body on grounds of non-payment. **Informed consent (s. 23)**: A user (patient) has the right to participate in decisions affecting their health and must give informed consent before treatment. Treatment without consent is a violation. **Confidentiality**: Patient information is confidential and may not be disclosed without consent except as required by law. **Mental health rights (s. 27)**: Persons receiving mental health care have the right to participate in decisions about their care and to be informed of their mental health status. **Enforcement (s. 45)**: Violations of the Act carry fines and imprisonment. Complaints can be made to the Federal Ministry of Health or state health authorities.
A motorcyclist injured in an accident is brought to a private clinic. The clinic refuses treatment until the family deposits ₦50,000. Under section 20(1) of the National Health Act, the clinic must provide emergency treatment first. The clinic commits an offence and can be fined.
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