IGP urges Doctors to provide immediate care for gunshot and accident victims without Police report

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As part of efforts to address the distressing issue of gunshot and accident victims being denied timely medical treatment, the Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has issued a compelling call to all medical practitioners across Nigeria, to offer timely and compassionate medical treatment to victims of gunshot and accidents with or without police report.

Egbetokun gave the directive in a statement issued on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi who emphasized that the IGP underscores the moral duty and responsibility of medical practitioners to uphold the sanctity of life.

According to the statement, the IGP urged them to provide life-saving care to those in need and bridge the gap between law enforcement agencies and healthcare providers stating that the initiative aims to facilitate a more efficient and compassionate response to emergency situations while simultaneously curbing crimes.

This was as the IGP urged healthcare providers to fulfil their obligation to invite the police for assessment while treatment is ongoing.

He also noted that the directive is clear on medical practitioners to Provide prompt and compassionate response to victims of gunshot and accident, noting that the fresh directive aligns with the full enforcement of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act of 2017, a vital piece of legislation that mandates healthcare providers to prioritize immediate care and stabilization of such patients and recognizes the critical importance of swift medical attention in saving lives.

The IGP further stated that the Nigeria Police, in collaboration with all relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, especially the Federal Ministry of Health, is dedicated to the full enforcement of the provisions of the Act stating that it is a collective effort to ensure that no one in dire need of medical attention is left waiting for the bureaucratic procedures of law enforcement agencies and that every moment counts when a life is at stake. He also revealed that the nation is taking action to ensure that every citizen receives the immediate care they deserve.

The statement read, “The IGP’s directive aligns with the full enforcement of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act of 2017, which mandates that all healthcare providers prioritize the immediate care and stabilization of such patients, recognizing the critical importance of timely medical attention in saving lives”, a Police statement siad.

“The IGPs decision comes as a response to the relentless outcry from concerned citizens and the broader community, highlighting the tragic consequences of delays in treating these victims.

“Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi said the IGP underscored the moral duty and responsibility of medical practitioners to uphold the sanctity of life and provide life-saving care to those in need aiming to bridge the gap between law enforcement agencies and healthcare providers, facilitating a more efficient and compassionate response to emergency situations, and curbing crimes by fulfilling their obligation to invite the Police for assessment while treatment is ongoing.

“The Inspector-General calls on all medical institutions and professionals to adhere to these directives and fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies when necessary, emphasizing the paramount importance of saving lives and promoting a safer and healthier society.

“The Nigeria Police will collaborate with all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, particularly the Federal Ministry of Health for the full enforcement of the provisions of the Act.”