Police Reaffirm That Hospitals Must Treat Gunshot Victims Before Paperwork
The Inspector-General of Police has reaffirmed that hospitals must provide immediate treatment to gunshot victims without demanding a police report before care begins.
Inspector-General Olatunji Disu’s position was presented at the launch of an Abuja campaign on the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act 2017. The campaign was organised by the National Orientation Agency in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Represented by the Police Force’s Director of Legal Services, Aremu Bamidele, the IGP said police procedures must not cause harassment, delay or denial of medical care. The central principle is that saving a life takes priority over paperwork.
What the law requires
The 2017 Act applies to public and private hospitals. It requires them to admit and provide adequate treatment to a person with gunshot injuries, whether or not the patient arrives with police clearance. Initial treatment must also not be made conditional on payment of a deposit.
Hospitals still have reporting duties. They are expected to notify the nearest police station after treatment begins so that the circumstances of the shooting can be investigated. That notification requirement does not authorise delaying emergency care.
The law also provides penalties where a failure to perform statutory duties results in an avoidable death. Public awareness remains important because reports of delayed treatment have continued despite the legislation.
Anyone facing an immediate medical emergency should contact the appropriate emergency services and seek the nearest available medical care.
