The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has voiced apprehension regarding the widespread failure of medical facilities to adhere to the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act 2017.
Expressing worry, Pate emphasised that gunshot victims necessitate immediate medical attention to preserve their lives.
Recall that the legislation, signed into effect by former President Muhammadu Buhari, mandates all hospitals in Nigeria, irrespective of their public or private status, to promptly and adequately treat gunshot victims, regardless of police clearance. Additionally, it requires every individual, including security personnel, to provide assistance to such victims and ensure their swift transfer to the nearest hospital.
However, according to a statement issued by Patricia Deworitshe, the Director of Information at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, there has been a concerning increase in fatalities due to some healthcare facilities refusing treatment to gunshot victims and those involved in one-chance incidents without police reports.
Highlighting the urgency of the matter, the statement underscored that the refusal of some medical facilities to comply with the Gunshot Act 2017 is contrary to the imperative nature of medical emergencies.
In response, Prof. Pate urged all medical practitioners to adhere to the national law by promptly treating and caring for gunshot victims. He also affirmed that the Ministry is devising strategies to ensure compliance with the Act among Nigerian healthcare facilities. The Minister called upon the Police to diligently enforce the provisions of the Act.
He reiterated that treating gunshot victims is not illegal, reassuring healthcare facilities across the country.
