He Ekiti State Government has ordered hospitals in the state to stop denying treatment to victims of gunshot wounds because they do not file a police report.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had earlier reiterated the same directive, which he said complied with the provisions of the Compulsory Treatment and Care of Victims of Gun Shooting Act, 2017.
Hospitals in Nigeria are reluctant to treat gunshot wounds unless patients file a police report indicating that they are not suspected of committing a hit-and-run crime.
However, the 2017 Shooting Act allows medical facilities to receive and treat shooting victims without a police report.
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Against this backdrop, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Health, Oyebanji Filani, said in Ado Ekiti on Monday that the law would be implemented in the state.
“Gungun injuries are generally a medical emergency where every minute counts in the fight to preserve the victim’s life,” Filani said in a statement.
“The victim requires urgent medical attention to prevent permanent damage or death to the victim.”
The commissioner urged medical personnel and good Samaritans not to be afraid of being involved in caring for gunshot victims.
He assured health facilities in the state of government support and continued collaboration for better delivery of healthcare services.
