PRESS RELEASE: Urgent Reminder: Medical Facilities Must Comply with the Gunshot Act 2017

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has expressed deep concern over the rising number of deaths caused by hospitals refusing to treat gunshot victims who do not present a police report.

This is a direct violation of the Gunshot Act 2017, which clearly mandates that all medical facilities in Nigeria—public or private—must provide immediate and adequate treatment to gunshot victims, with or without police clearance.

The Act states:

1. Every hospital must accept and treat gunshot victims promptly, regardless of police involvement.

2. All individuals, including security agents, must assist victims in getting to the nearest hospital for emergency care.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, is calling on all healthcare professionals to adhere strictly to this law. Immediate care can mean the difference between life and death, and refusal to treat is not only unethical but illegal.

To support compliance, the Ministry is putting measures in place and working closely with relevant stakeholders to monitor medical facilities across the country.

We also call on the Nigeria Police Force to enforce the Act and reassure health workers that treating gunshot victims without a police report is fully supported by law.

Saving lives is a priority. Let us uphold our duty to protect every Nigerian, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their injury.

Signed,

Patricia Deworitshe

Director (Information)

Date: 5th February 2024