The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a groundbreaking directive to public and private hospitals nationwide, mandating the immediate treatment of gunshot victims without requiring prior police clearance. The announcement, shared on Nigerian Stories’ official X (formerly Twitter) handle, underscores the government’s commitment to saving lives and addressing delays in emergency medical care.
This directive comes in response to longstanding concerns about the unnecessary loss of lives due to bureaucratic hurdles, particularly the insistence on police reports before medical attention is provided to gunshot victims. Hospitals are now required to prioritize the urgent care of victims, ensuring their safety and stabilizing their condition before involving law enforcement agencies.
The policy aligns with the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act, which was enacted to safeguard the rights of individuals in critical situations. The government’s renewed emphasis on this law reinforces its stance on humanity over bureaucracy.
The directive also sends a strong warning to healthcare providers against negligence or refusal to treat such victims, stating that offenders will face the full weight of the law.
This decisive move has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many applauding the government for taking a firm stand against life-threatening administrative bottlenecks. Public health advocates and human rights groups have hailed the directive as a critical step toward upholding the sanctity of human life.
As the directive takes effect, Nigerians are hopeful that the implementation will mark a turning point in emergency medical care, fostering a healthcare system that values life above all else.
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