Abuja, Oct. 28, 2023, Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, has hospitals to treat victims of gunshot with or without a police reports.
Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Polic Spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
The statement said that Egbetokun had authorized doctors to priority lifes, adding that the directive aligned the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act of 2017.
The inspector general advised all hospital and clinics to adhere to this directive to promote a healthier and safer society.
The Statement read: “In response to the ongoing concern over the tragic loss of lives due to the neglect of gunshot and accident victims, the Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, has issued a resounding call to all medical practitioners in Nigeria to provide prompt and compassionate treatment to all victims of gunshots and accidents, irrespective of the presence or absence of a police report.
“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 prioritize the immediate care and stabilization of such patients, recognizing the critical importance of timely medical attention in saving lives,
“The IGP decision comes as a response to the relentless outcry 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 adhere to these directives and fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies when necessary, emphasizing the paramount importance of saving lives and promoting a safer and healthier society.
“The Nigeria Police will collaborate with all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, particularly the Federal Ministry of Health for the full enforcement of the provisions of the Act.” (GBN)
