TREAT ALL GUNSHOTS, ACCIDENT VICTIM WITHOUT POLICE REPORT —IGP TELLS DOCTORS
Following ongoing public outcry from Nigerians about hospitals' neglect of gunshot and accident victims without police reports, which has resulted in the loss of lives, the acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed all medical practitioners in Nigeria to provide immediate treatment to all victims of gunshots and accidents. Regardless of whether a police report is present,The IGP's decision was contained in a police internal letter dated October 25, 2023, and signed by the Force Principal Staff Officer, Olatunji Disu. It was based on the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act, 2017.
Last month,a young lady,Greatness Olorunfemi,a victim of one chance,died from her stab wounds and bruises after the Maitama General Hospital in abuja refused to treat her until a police report was provided first and this has lead the IGP into taking action to prevent a repeat.
All Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police, and Commandants of Police Colleges in Ikeja, Kaduna, Oji-River, Maiduguri, and Enugu received the memo."The IGP's directive aligns with the full enforcement of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act of 2017, which mandates that all healthcare providers prioritise the immediate care and stabilisation of such patients, recognising the critical importance of timely medical attention in saving lives" , a statement released by the police said."The IGP's decision comes in response to the never-ending outpouring of concern from concerned citizens and the broader community, highlighting the tragic consequences of delays in treating these victims."
"The Inspector-General calls on all medical institutions and professionals to comply with these directives and fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies when necessary, emphasising the primary significance of saving lives and promoting a safer and healthier society." The Nigeria Police will work with all appropriate ministries, departments, and agencies, particularly the Federal Ministry of Health, to fully enforce the Act's requirements."
"The IGP's decision comes as a response to the incessant outcry from concerned citizens and the broader community, highlighting the tragic consequences of delays in treating these victims." The Inspector-General urges all medical institutions and professionals to follow these guidelines and actively collaborate with law enforcement when appropriate, emphasising the critical necessity of saving lives and fostering a safer and healthier society. The Nigeria Police will work with all relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, specifically the Federal Ministry of Health, to fully enforce the Act's requirements."
