ALLOW HOSPITALS TO TREAT GUNSHOT VICTIMS – EGBETOKUN DIRECTS POLICE DIVISIONS
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The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed all Police divisions nationwide to allow hospitals to treat and care for gunshot victims without a Police report.
In a statement issued on Wednesday 25th Oct. 2023, Egbetokun informed all stakeholders in the Force requesting compliance with the the provision of the 2017 Act without any hesitation.
The act, which was signed into law in 2018, mandates all medical facilities to receive and and treat victims of a gunshot.
The IGP also directs all state commands to educate and disseminate widely so that members of the public are aware of the Force’s compliance with National Law.
Egbetokun referenced a letter from Hon. Minister of State, Olatunji Alausa, Federal Ministry of Health and Social welfare dated 3rd Oct, 2023, seeking the collaboration of the Police in creating awareness on the 2017 act in order to “end needless death caused by gunshot injuries.”
In the letter, Alausa expressed his concern about the low level of compliance, which he believes is due to a lack of awareness among field police officers and sympathisers who may be afraid of being implicated for assisting the victims.
“Gunshot injury is generally a medical emergency and every minute counts in the fight to preserve the life of the victim. therefore, a gunshot victim requires urgent Medical care to avoid permanent damage or death of the victim,” he said.
He further stated that, while several hospitals still require police reports before treating gunshot victims, the practice has no legal backing.
Alausa therefore urged the Police to provide needed support to reassure health facilities or workers that ensure care for gunshot injuries will have no legal consequence to the management of the patients.
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