The Federal Government has directed all public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to attend to gunshot victims without requiring police clearance.
This mandate was outlined in a statement from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, shared on its official X handle. Signed by Patricia Deworitshe, the Director of Information, the statement highlighted concerns about the non-compliance with the G¥nsh+t Act 2017, which has led to preventable d+aths.
The directive, issued under the instruction of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, aims to address the growing trend of hospitals rejecting g¥nsh+t victims who lack police reports.
The statement emphasized the urgent nature of g¥nsh+t inj¥ries, categorizing them as emergencies requiring immediate medical attention to save lives. It reiterated the Act’s provision that all hospitals in Nigeria, public or private, must treat g¥nsh+t victims promptly, regardless of police clearance.
Additionally, the Act mandates that individuals, including security agents, assist g¥nsh+t victims and ensure their swift transportation to the nearest medical facility.
The ministry expressed concern over the increasing g¥nsh+t incidents and the reluctance of some healthcare facilities to provide care without police authorization. Professor Pate urged medical practitioners to prioritize life-saving treatment in compliance with the law.
The statement also called on the Nigerian Police Force to enforce the Act’s provisions and reassure healthcare providers that treating g¥nsh+t victims is lawful. It noted that the ministry is implementing measures to ensure nationwide compliance with the Act.
