The Federal Government has issued a firm directive to all public and private healthcare facilities nationwide, mandating the treatment of gunshot victims without requiring police clearance. This move aims to curb preventable deaths caused by delays in medical care.
The directive, announced in a statement from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, was shared on its official X account. Signed by Patricia Deworitshe, Director of Information, the statement highlighted the need for strict compliance with the Gunshot Act of 2017, which guarantees immediate medical attention for victims.
According to the ministry, many hospitals have continued to reject gunshot victims due to the absence of police reports, a practice that has resulted in unnecessary fatalities. The directive was issued under the leadership of Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.
The statement described gunshot wounds as emergencies requiring urgent medical care to save lives. It reaffirmed the provisions of the Gunshot Act, which obligates all hospitals, whether public or private, to treat victims without hesitation or police authorization.
The Act also mandates that individuals, including security personnel, assist gunshot victims by ensuring their swift transportation to the nearest medical facility.
Professor Pate called on healthcare providers to prioritize life-saving treatment in adherence to the law. He also urged the Nigerian Police Force to support hospitals by enforcing the Act’s provisions and assuring practitioners that providing care to gunshot victims is lawful.
The ministry disclosed that measures are being implemented to ensure full compliance across the country. This directive, officials hope, will eliminate barriers to critical care for gunshot victims and ultimately save lives.