FG directs medical practitioners, facilities to treat gunshot, “one-chance” victims without police report

The Federal Government has directed medical practitioners and health facilities to comply with the Gunshot Act 2017 by providing prompt treatment and care to victims to prevent death.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, gave the directive in a statement signed by the ministry’s Director of Information, Ms Patricia Deworitshe on Tuesday in Abuja.

Deworitshe quoted the minister as saying “strategies are being put in place by the ministry to ensure compliance to the Act by Nigerian healthcare facilities; the treatment of gunshot victims is not illegal.”

He also urged the police to comply and enforce the provisions of the compulsory treatment and care for victims of Gunshot Act 2017 with promptness.

He recalled that “in recent times, the society witnessed a rise in loss of lives as a result of the refusal of some health facilities to attend to gunshot victims and victims of `one-chance’ who do not present police reports.

“Gunshot victims come under medical emergencies that require urgent attention.”

The minister pointed out that the directive became necessary as some healthcare facilities go contrary to the provisions of the Act.

He added that “it has come to the knowledge of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social welfare, of the slow or non-compliance by most medical facilities, going contrary to the Gunshot Act 2017.

“The Act mandates all medical facilities to provide compulsory treatment and care to victims of gunshot and related matters.

“Every hospital in Nigeria, whether public or private, shall accept or receive for immediate and adequate treatment, with or without police clearance.

“Every person, including security agents, shall render every possible assistance to any person with gunshot wounds and ensure that the person is taken to the nearest hospital for immediate treatment.”