Kwara govt directs hospitals to treat gunshot victims without police report
The Kwara State Government has directed hospitals in the state to receive victims of gunshots for immediate treatment in their facilities even without a police report.
This is in adherence to the Gunshot Act of 2017. This legislation empowers them to provide treatment for individuals with gunshot injuries without any impediment.
Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, the State Commissioner for Health, at a press briefing in her office in Ilorin, stated that this step is crucial to prevent unnecessary loss of lives, particularly those of innocent individuals who endure severe suffering due to gunshot wounds.
Dr. El-Imam further directed healthcare personnel to ensure that the communications from the office of the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, concerning the Gunshot Act, are widely disseminated to the public, healthcare practitioners, relevant administrators, and members of the communication industry.
“We cannot claim to be advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for the people under the leadership of our esteemed Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, without safeguarding all citizens and ensuring compliance with the applicable laws, particularly one that allows the treatment of gunshot victims without the need for a police report, as was required in the past,” the Commissioner explained.
She emphasized the need to ensure that both government and private hospitals are well-informed about the law governing the compulsory treatment and care of gunshot victims as outlined in the Act.
Dr. El-Imam also called upon medical practitioners to exhibit increased compassion and empathy in their professional roles, as these qualities are integral to their training and ethical standards.
The circular in reference originated from the office of the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, dated October 25, 2023, with reference number CB.3383/IGP.SEC/ABJ/Vol.60/336. It is titled ‘COMPULSORY TREATMENT AND CARE FOR VICTIMS OF GUNSHOT ACT 2017’ and was signed by CP Olatunji R. Disu.
