Nigerian Government has issued a directive to all public and private hospitals nationwide, ordering them to attend to gunshot victims without requiring police clearance. This decision comes after the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare received complaints about hospitals rejecting gunshot victims, resulting in loss of lives.
The directive is based on the Gunshot Act 2017, which mandates hospitals to provide immediate and adequate treatment to gunshot victims, regardless of whether they have police clearance. The Act also stipulates that every person, including security agents, must assist individuals with gunshot wounds and ensure they receive immediate treatment at the nearest hospital.
According to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, gunshot victims require urgent medical attention, and any delay can result in loss of life.
The ministry has expressed concern over the increasing number of gunshot incidents and the refusal of some health facilities to treat victims without police reports.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate,has called on all medical practitioners to comply with the national law and provide prompt treatment and care to gunshot victims. The ministry is working on strategies to ensure compliance with the Act by Nigerian healthcare facilities.
This directive aims to prevent further loss of life due to delayed medical attention. It also emphasizes the importance of prompt treatment for gunshot victims, regardless of their circumstances.
