Daud Olatunji
In a significant move aimed at reducing the tragic loss of lives due to the neglect of gunshot and accident victims, the Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has issued a compelling directive to medical practitioners across Nigeria.
He emphatically calls on doctors to provide immediate and compassionate treatment to all victims of gunshots and accidents, with or without a police report.
Egbetokun made this through a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officers,Olumuyiwa Adejobi .
This directive aligns with the comprehensive enforcement of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act of 2017, which places the responsibility on healthcare providers to prioritize the immediate care and stabilization of such patients, recognizing the critical role of timely medical attention in saving lives.
According to the statement, the IGP’s decision is a direct response to the impassioned outcry from concerned citizens and the broader community, who have been highlighting the tragic consequences of delays in treating these victims.
In emphasizing the moral duty and responsibility of medical practitioners to uphold the sanctity of life, the IGP aims to bridge the gap between law enforcement agencies and healthcare providers.
This will lead to a more efficient and compassionate response to emergency situations while also helping in crime prevention by ensuring that police assessment can occur concurrently with patient treatment.
The Inspector-General has called upon all medical institutions and professionals to adhere to these directives and collaborate fully with law enforcement agencies when necessary.
He underscores the paramount importance of saving lives and promoting a safer and healthier society.
The statement further said that the Nigeria Police will work closely with all relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, particularly the Federal Ministry of Health, to ensure the full enforcement of the provisions of the Act.
“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 IGPs 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 IGP underscores the moral duty and responsibility of medical practitioners to uphold the sanctity of life and provide life-saving care to those in need aiming to bridge the gap between law enforcement agencies and healthcare providers, facilitating a more efficient and compassionate response to emergency situations, and curbing crimes by fulfilling their obligation to invite the Police for assessment while treatment is ongoing.
“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.”
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