The Federal Government has directed all public and private healthcare facilities to immediately provide medical care to gunshot victims, regardless of whether they have a police clearance.
This directive, issued by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on December 7, highlights concerns over hospitals rejecting gunshot victims, which often leads to preventable deaths. The statement, signed by Director of Information Patricia Deworitshe, emphasized that such refusals violate the Gunshot Act of 2017.
The order was given by Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate.
The ministry noted that increasing cases of death due to refusal of treatment for gunshot victims without police reports were alarming. It stressed that gunshot injuries are emergencies that require immediate medical attention to save lives.
The statement further reminded hospitals that under the Gunshot Act, both public and private institutions must accept and treat gunshot victims promptly, with or without police clearance. It also called on security personnel to provide necessary assistance to victims and ensure they are taken to the nearest hospital.
Professor Pate emphasized the importance of healthcare providers adhering to the law to prevent further fatalities and reassured medical professionals that treating gunshot victims is not unlawful.
The Ministry also urged the Nigerian police to enforce the law and ensure healthcare facilities feel protected when providing care to gunshot victims. Measures are being taken to ensure nationwide compliance with the Gunshot Act.
