The Nigerian Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, expressed alarm on Tuesday over the widespread disregard for the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act 2017 by medical facilities. This law mandates immediate medical attention for gunshot victims, regardless of police involvement.
“Gunshot wounds constitute medical emergencies,” stressed Prof. Pate, emphasizing the critical need for prompt action to save lives. “Sadly, recent incidents reveal a troubling rise in deaths due to hospitals refusing treatment to gunshot victims and victims of ‘one-chance’ robberies who lack police reports.”
The Act, signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari, clearly stipulates that all hospitals, both public and private, must accept and treat individuals with gunshot wounds without requiring police clearance. It also mandates everyone, including security personnel, to assist gunshot victims and transport them to the nearest hospital for immediate care.
A statement released by the Ministry’s Director of Information, Patricia Deworitshe, highlighted the Ministry’s growing concern regarding the “slow or non-compliance” by many medical facilities. This disregard for the law is directly linked to the increasing number of preventable deaths.
The Ministry emphasized its commitment to enforcing the Gunshot Act 2017 and urged all healthcare providers to adhere to its provisions. By prioritizing the immediate treatment of gunshot victims, lives can be saved and public safety can be better ensured.
