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What you’re entitled to as a patient, what to do in an emergency, and the rights that protect you — grounded in the National Health Act, in plain words.
People often ask
Can a hospital refuse me in an emergency? Can I be detained over a bill? Is my diagnosis confidential?
In a medical emergency
Call 112 free, 24/7 — it reaches ambulance, police and fire. For disease outbreaks or health advice, call NCDC Connect on 6232 .
Your rights as a patient
What you're entitled to. Emergency care can't be refused No hospital may turn you away in an emergency — treatment comes first. National Health Act 2014 You must give consent Treatment needs your informed consent — you can ask questions and say no. National Health Act 2014 Your records are confidential Your health information is private and may only be shared as the law allows. National Health Act 2014 You can't be detained over a bill A hospital cannot hold you or a relative because a bill is unpaid. Patients' Bill of Rights Know your treatment You're entitled to clear information about your condition, options and costs. Patients' Bill of Rights A second opinion You have the right to seek another professional's view on your care. Patients' Bill of Rights
When you're in it
If care goes wrong. A hospital refuses emergency care Emergency treatment cannot be refused. Call 112 and report the facility. National Health Act 2014 You're detained over an unpaid bill This is unlawful. You cannot be held because you can't pay — seek help to report it. Patients' Bill of Rights You were treated without consent Except in a life-threatening emergency, care needs your informed consent. National Health Act 2014 Your health information was shared Your records are confidential. Disclosing them without cause breaches the law. National Health Act 2014
First aid
Four things worth knowing before help arrives 1 Call 112 first, then stay with the person until help arrives. 2 If they are unconscious but breathing, gently turn them onto their side. 3 Press firmly on heavy bleeding with a clean cloth and keep pressing. 4 Do not move someone who may have a neck or back injury unless they are in danger. These are basics, not training. The Nigerian Red Cross teaches the real thing.
Trusted sources
Where this comes from Where to get help
Who to turn to. Help 24/7 Call NCDC Connect — 6232 Disease reporting and public-health advice, toll-free. Help Nationwide Federal & State Ministries of Health Complaints about a public hospital or clinic. Help Nationwide Medical & Dental Council (MDCN) Report professional misconduct by a doctor or dentist. Guide National NHIA — health insurance How to enrol and what your cover includes. The law behind it
Read the source yourself. LAW Federal National Health Act 2014 Emergency treatment, consent, confidentiality and the health system. Guide 2018 Patients' Bill of Rights The rights every patient in Nigeria is entitled to. LAW Federal NHIA Act 2022 National health insurance — how cover works and who it reaches. Unsure about your care?
Ask Vera about your health rights. e.g. “The hospital won’t discharge my relative over a bill.”