The House of Representatives has charged the Federal Ministry of Health with implementing decisive measures against hospitals and healthcare facilities that refuse to provide treatment to accident or gunshot victims without a police report.
The resolution was reached following the acceptance of a motion presented by Rep. Odianosen Okojie (APC-Edo) during the plenary session held on Tuesday in Abuja.
Okojie initially highlighted that according to Section 1 of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act, 2017, all hospitals are mandated to accept and provide treatment to victims of gunshot wounds, regardless of whether they have obtained police clearance.
He further explained that the legislation requires hospital management to promptly report the incident to the nearest police station within a specified timeframe upon initiating treatment for the victim.
The lawmaker said that Section 7 of the Act states that “any authority or person whose omission results in the unnecessary death of a gunshot victim shall be liable to imprisonment for five years or a fine of N500, 000.00 or both.”
Okojie emphasized the critical importance of providing prompt medical care to accident or gunshot victims, highlighting that it significantly impacts their chances of survival and quality of life.
He underscored that hospitals and healthcare facilities bear both ethical and legal responsibilities to uphold and prioritize human life, irrespective of the situation.
“Observes that despite the Act providing for the compulsory treatment and care for victims of gunshots by hospitals in the country, there are rising cases of medical personnel refusing to treat victims due to the absence of police reports.
“Also aware that patients requiring emergency medical treatment due to accidents or gunshot injuries usually face denial or delayed access to healthcare services if they fail to present a police report.
“Concerned that many victims of accidents or gunshots are unable to obtain a police report promptly, given the severity of their injuries, the absence of law enforcement at the scene, or other relevant factors beyond their control.
“Worried that the refusal of hospitals to treat patients without a police report is a direct violation of the principles of medical ethics, professional conduct, and the universal right of individuals to access healthcare.
“This discriminatory practice disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations, such as minorities and the poor, who are more likely to experience higher rates of accidents or gun-related incidents,” he said.
The representative noted that current laws and regulations lack explicit provisions prohibiting hospitals from declining treatment to accident or gunshot victims in the absence of a police report, creating space for unjust practices.
The House called upon the ministry to enforce regulations that prevent hospitals from refusing or delaying emergency medical treatment for accident or gunshot victims without a police report, and to impose suitable sanctions and penalties.
Furthermore, the legislative body urged the Federal Ministry of Information, through the National Orientation Agency, to initiate a campaign aimed at educating the public, hospitals, and healthcare professionals on the importance of providing immediate medical assistance to accident or gunshot victims.
In his ruling, Deputy Speaker Rep. Benjamin Kalu directed the Committee on Healthcare Services to ensure compliance and provide a report within four weeks for further legislative action.