The Federal Government has issued a directive requiring both public and private healthcare facilities across the country to treat victims of gunshot wounds, regardless of whether they present a police report. This directive was shared in a statement from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on Saturday via its official X handle.

Titled “Non-Compliance of Medical Facilities on the Gunshot Act 2017,” the statement, signed by the Director of Information, Patricia Deworitshe, highlights concerns over the rejection of gunshot victims by hospitals, leading to unnecessary loss of life.

The directive comes on the orders of Professor Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

The statement reads: “In recent times, there has been a rise in fatalities due to some health facilities refusing to treat gunshot victims who lack police reports.” It emphasizes that gunshot victims fall under emergency care, necessitating immediate medical intervention to save lives.

The Ministry has noted widespread non-compliance among medical facilities in treating gunshot victims as required by law. The Gunshot Act stipulates that all hospitals, including private ones, must provide immediate and adequate treatment to gunshot victims, regardless of police clearance.

The statement also reminds all individuals, including security personnel, to assist those with gunshot wounds by ensuring they receive timely medical care at the nearest hospital.

In response to the rise in gunshot incidents and healthcare facility refusals, the Coordinating Minister Professor Pate has urged medical practitioners to adhere to the law and provide immediate care to victims to prevent fatalities. Strategies are being developed by the Ministry to ensure compliance with the Gunshot Act by healthcare providers across the country.

Furthermore, the Ministry has called on the Nigerian police to enforce the provisions of the law, ensuring prompt treatment of gunshot victims and assuring healthcare facilities that treating such patients is not illegal.