The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive mandating police officers to adhere to an existing##đđ law that allows for the compulsory treatment of gunshot victims without the requirement of a police report. This directive was communicated through an internal police memo, signed by the Force Principal Staff Officer, Olatunji Disu.
The memo, titled “RE: COMPULSORY TREATMENT AND CARE FOR VICTIMS OF GUNSHOT ACT 2017,” is dated October 25, 2023, and has been distributed to Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police, and the Commandants of Police Colleges across several cities, including Ikeja, Kaduna, Oji-River, Maiduguri, and Enugu.
This significant development is a response to a letter received from the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare regarding the treatment of gunshot victims. It’s important to note that IGP Egbetokun’s directive aligns with the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act 2017, which has been in effect since the end of 2018. This Act obligates all healthcare facilities to provide immediate treatment to gunshot victims without the need for a police report.
The memo underscores the importance of compliance with this national law, as conveyed by the Inspector-General of Police, and emphasizes the need to raise awareness among the public. This commitment to enforcing the law will have a profound impact on the safety and well-being of Nigerians, as it ensures that those in critical need of medical attention following gunshot incidents receive timely care.
Furthermore, this directive is a significant step towards addressing issues within the health sector, where victims were previously denied treatment due to the lack of a police report. It also serves as a response to a tragic incident involving Greatness Olorunfemi, a robbery victim who sadly passed away at Maitama General Hospital because medical personnel allegedly demanded a police report before administering treatment.
This change not only represents a legal obligation but also a compassionate and life-saving measure that will greatly improve the safety of Nigerians and enhance the efficiency of the healthcare system. It fosters trust and confidence in the law enforcement and healthcare sectors, ensuring that no one is left without the care they urgently need during moments of crisis.
