The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a pivotal directive aimed at ensuring the prompt medical treatment of gunshot victims across the nation.
This order mandates that both public and private hospitals provide immediate care to individuals with gunshot wounds, irrespective of whether they have obtained police clearance. The directive was communicated through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, highlighting the urgency and importance of this issue.
The decision to enforce this policy stems from numerous complaints received by the ministry regarding the rejection of gunshot victims by various healthcare facilities. Such refusals have tragically led to unnecessary loss of lives, as victims were denied timely medical intervention due to the absence of police reports.
Recognizing the critical nature of these emergencies, the government has emphasized that gunshot wounds require urgent medical attention to save lives.
Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, played a pivotal role in issuing this directive. In a statement signed by Patricia Deworitshe, the Director of Information, the ministry expressed its concern over the slow or non-compliance by many medical facilities in adhering to the compulsory treatment and care for gunshot victims as stipulated by the Gunshot Act of 2017.
The Act clearly states that every hospital in Nigeria, whether public or private, must accept and provide immediate and adequate treatment to gunshot victims without demanding police clearance.
The directive also calls upon all individuals, including security agents, to assist gunshot victims by ensuring they are transported to the nearest hospital for immediate treatment. This collective responsibility shows the government's commitment to safeguarding the lives of its citizens and addressing the systemic issues that have previously hindered access to emergency medical care.
In addition to urging healthcare providers to comply with this national law, the ministry is actively implementing strategies to ensure adherence to the Act by all Nigerian healthcare facilities. These measures aim to prevent further loss of life and reinforce the legal obligation of medical practitioners to treat gunshot victims promptly.
Furthermore, the Federal Government has reassured healthcare facilities that providing treatment to gunshot victims without police clearance is not illegal. This clarification seeks to dispel any misconceptions and encourage medical professionals to prioritize patient care over bureaucratic procedures.
The directive also extends to law enforcement agencies, urging them to support and enforce the provisions of the compulsory treatment and care for gunshot victims in line with the Act of 2017. By fostering collaboration between healthcare providers and law enforcement, the government aims to create a more efficient and responsive system for handling such emergencies.
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