HOSPITALS DEFY LAW, NOT TREATING GUNSHOT VICTIMS — MINISTER

February 6, 2024

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Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, expressed concern on Tuesday with the majority of medical facilities’ noncompliance with the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act 2017.

According to Pate, victims of gunshots are considered medical emergencies and need immediate care in order to survive.

The Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act, 2017 signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“In line with this mandate, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is concerned about the spate of gunshot incidences and the refusal of some of the health facilities to administer treatment and care for the victim or patient without a police report.

“The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Pate, therefore calls on all medical practitioners to comply with this national law by providing prompt treatment and care for these victims to prevent death while, strategies are being put in place by the Ministry to ensure compliance to the Act by Nigerian healthcare facilities,” the statement noted.

The Minister also urged the Police to comply with and enforce the provisions of the Act with promptness.

He reassured health facilities in the country that treatment of gunshot victims is not illegal.