The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has issued a firm warning to healthcare facilities throughout Nigeria regarding the refusal of treatment for gunshot victims due to the absence of police clearance, stressing that there is a legal obligation to provide necessary care for these individuals.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has strongly cautioned healthcare facilities in Nigeria against refusing treatment to gunshot victims on the grounds of insufficient police clearance, underscoring the legal requirement for these individuals to receive care.
This directive is a response to a rise in complaints regarding hospitals failing to provide treatment for gunshot victims, which has resulted in unnecessary fatalities.
The Ministry, led by Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, expressed its disappointment over the widespread violations of the Gunshot Act of 2017.
Patricia Deworitshe, the Director of Information for the Ministry, declared in an official statement on Saturday that all hospitals in Nigeria, both private and public, are required to accept and promptly treat gunshot victims, regardless of whether they have police clearance.
The Ministry states that emergencies related to gunshot injuries necessitate immediate medical care, and refusing treatment breaches legal obligations and puts lives at risk. Deworitshe emphasized, “The Coordinating Minister urges all healthcare professionals to adhere to this national law to avoid avoidable fatalities.”
The Gunshot Act 2017 requires medical facilities to care for victims of gunshot wounds, and obligates individuals, including security staff, to help ensure that these victims receive timely medical assistance. The Ministry has assured healthcare providers that it is legal to treat gunshot victims even without police approval.
Along with instructing hospitals, the Ministry called on the Nigerian Police to ensure compliance with the Act, guaranteeing that victims receive prompt medical care.
The statement wrapped up with the Ministry promising to implement measures to oversee and enforce the law’s adherence across the country.
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