Ekiti state government has called on both private and public health facilities in the state to accord compulsory treatment to gunshot victims in line with the directives of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Egbetokun had last week issued a circular to officers and men of the force and the health institutions not to demand police reports as a condition to offer services to victims of gunshots in their facilities.
The state commissioner for health and human services, Dr Oyebanji Filani in a statement on Monday, tagged ‘Approval of Compulsory Treatment and Care For Victims of Gunshots Act 2017’ said gunshots required emergency treatment to save lives of the victims.
The commissioner advised health and medical officials not to exercise fear of being arrested or implicated for attending to victims, adding that saving lives should be the primary responsibility of any health professionals.
Filani said, ” Ekiti State Government has directed hospitals and medical facilities in the State to receive and accept victims of gunshots for immediate treatment in their facilities even when there is no police report.
“The directive followed the approval of the Nigerian Inspector General of Police to comply with and enforce the provisions of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act of 2017 without any hesitation.
“Gunshot injuries were generally a medical emergency where minute counts in the fight to preserve the life of the victim and that the victim requires urgent medical attention to avoid permanent damage or death of the victim.
“I urge medical personnel, good samaritans and sympathisers not to exercise fear of being implicated for coming to the aid of victims of gunshots.
“Let me assure all health facilities across the state of government support and continuous collaboration for better health care service delivery.”
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