The Federal Government has directed all public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to attend to victims of gunshots, regardless of whether they possess police clearance. This move follows rising concerns over the increasing number of deaths attributed to delays or outright refusal of treatment.
This directive, issued by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on Friday via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, is in line with the Gunshot Act of 2017. The statement, titled “Non-Compliance of Medical Facilities on The Gunshot Act 2017”, was signed by the ministry’s Director of Information, Patricia Deworitshe.
The ministry noted that it had received numerous complaints about hospitals rejecting gunshot victims, resulting in avoidable fatalities. Acting on the directive of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the ministry reaffirmed that gunshot injuries are medical emergencies requiring urgent intervention to save lives.
“In recent times, society has witnessed a rise in the loss of lives as a result of the refusal of some health facilities to attend to gunshot victims of chance who do not present police reports,” the statement read.
The ministry emphasized that the Gunshot Act mandates every hospital in Nigeria, whether public or private, to provide immediate and adequate care for gunshot victims, irrespective of police clearance. It further stressed that both civilians and security agents are obligated by law to assist gunshot victims and ensure their swift transportation to the nearest hospital.
Expressing concern over the non-compliance by many healthcare facilities, Professor Pate urged all medical practitioners to adhere strictly to the law and prioritize the treatment of gunshot victims to prevent further loss of life.
The ministry also called on the Nigerian Police to support and enforce the provisions of the Gunshot Act promptly, ensuring the safety and survival of victims.
In addition, the ministry revealed plans to implement strategies to monitor and ensure compliance with the Act across all healthcare facilities nationwide.
This renewed emphasis on the Gunshot Act of 2017 aims to address the rising incidents of gun-related violence and the accompanying challenges faced by victims in accessing timely medical care.