The Federal Government of Nigeria has mandated all public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to provide immediate medical attention to gunshot victims, irrespective of whether they present a police clearance.
This directive, aimed at addressing delays that often result in avoidable deaths, was issued on Saturday, December 7, by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare under the leadership of Coordinating Minister Professor Muhammad Pate.
In a statement titled “Non-Compliance of Medical Facilities on the Gunshot Act 2017,” signed by Director of Information Patricia Deworitshe, the ministry expressed concern over the refusal of hospitals to treat gunshot victims without police reports. This non-compliance, according to the ministry, has led to unnecessary loss of lives and constitutes a breach of the Gunshot Act 2017.
The statement said that gunshot injuries are life-threatening emergencies requiring immediate medical intervention. It noted the provisions of the Gunshot Act, which stipulates that every hospital in Nigeria—public or private—is legally required to provide adequate treatment to gunshot victims without demanding police clearance.
The ministry also called on individuals, including security personnel, to assist in transporting gunshot victims to the nearest healthcare facility for urgent care.
Professor Pate reassured medical practitioners that treating gunshot victims is not illegal, urging them to uphold the law and prioritize saving lives. He said, “Healthcare providers must comply with the national law by ensuring prompt treatment and care for these victims to prevent unnecessary deaths.”
Additionally, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare appealed to the Nigerian Police Force to enforce the provisions of the Gunshot Act and ensure the safety of healthcare workers and facilities treating such victims. The ministry also announced the implementation of strategies to achieve nationwide compliance with the Act.
