Healthcare professionals and law enforcement officers have expressed their support for the recent directive issued by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun. The directive instructs hospitals to provide immediate treatment to individuals with gunshot wounds without the need for a police report from the victim.
These professionals believe that this action will significantly save the lives of innocent people in the country. They call on the police to reconsider and improve their implementation of the Gunshot Act, as well as conduct a comprehensive awareness campaign to inform all healthcare workers about this new policy.
The reluctance of healthcare workers to treat gunshot victims in the past was rooted in their concern for potential legal repercussions, as some of their colleagues had faced legal issues for adhering to their professional duty as per the Hippocratic oath. However, the Gunshot Act of 2017, signed into law by former president Muhammadu Buhari, mandates all medical facilities to promptly provide care to gunshot victims, irrespective of whether the hospital is public or private. It also requires assistance from law enforcement agencies.
The Act’s provisions include:
Section 1, which establishes the right of every gunshot victim to receive treatment.
Section 2, which mandates security assistance for the victim.
Section 3, which prohibits any inhumane or degrading treatment of the victim.
Section 4, requiring hospitals to notify the police and the victim’s family.
Section 5, stipulating that the police investigate the circumstances of the shooting.
Section 16, which prescribes penalties for offenses related to the Act, including the obligation to make restitution to the victim.
Despite the Act being adopted in some states, hospitals have been hesitant to comply due to concerns about potential entanglement with police investigations targeting criminals. Tragically, this hesitation has resulted in the loss of innocent lives in need of urgent medical care.
The case of a woman named Greatness Olorunfemi, who bled to death after being refused treatment at Maitama General Hospital in Abuja, highlights the urgent need for change. She was denied care until a police report was provided.
In response to this incident, the civil society group YALI Network petitioned the Minister of Federal Capital Territory and the IGP, urging action to prevent similar occurrences.
The IGP subsequently issued a directive on October 25, 2023, instructing hospitals to treat gunshot wounds without requiring a police report. This directive, addressed to police officers at various levels, emphasizes compliance with the Gunshot Act of 2017 and the need to raise public awareness regarding this law.
Healthcare professionals and experts have expressed their views on this directive. Dr. Eleanor Nwadionbi, President of the Medical Women’s International Association, emphasizes the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders involved in ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens.
Reproductive healthcare physician Dr. Chioma Nwakanma-Akanno notes that not all hospitals reject gunshot victims, but ignorance of the law and concerns about past experiences with the police have contributed to such refusals.
Dr. Samuel Chinwueze Johnson, an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, asserts that he does not reject treating gunshot victims, as the law provides protection for doctors who adhere to it. He emphasizes that doctors should refer cases to the police when necessary.
Former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Dennis Amachree, believes the IGP’s directive clarifies uncertainties among hospitals. However, he acknowledges that unresolved issues remain, such as who will cover the costs of surgery after treatment.
Certified Protection Officer (CPO) Frank Oshanugor supports the directive and emphasizes the need for a clear framework for enforcing the law, including consequences for non-compliance.
Security expert Mr. Christopher Oji highlights that the law has long existed, but a lack of enforcement and concerns about police extortion have deterred hospitals from complying. He calls for an educational campaign by the police to inform hospitals about the importance of treating gunshot victims promptly and seeking police involvement afterward.