The House of Representatives on Sunday commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for ordering the enforcement of the compulsory treatment of Victims of Gunshot Act, 2017.
The lawmakers, in a statement jointly signed by Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Makki Yalleman and Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi, urged the IGP and authorities of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the extant law and prosecute offenders who contravene the Act.
The statement partly reads, “It is to be noted that issues around compliance with the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act recently became a subject of public discourse following the death of Ms. Greatness Olorunfemi, a brilliant Nigerian who was victim of a one-chance robbery in Abuja on Tuesday, September 26, 2023.
“A petition was laid before the House in respect of this incident during plenary on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, by Hon. Chris Nkwonta representing Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency of Abia State. The matter is now before the House Committee on Public Petitions.
“To be clear, the House maintains that the professional calling of Physicians, Nurses, and Emergency Care Personnel, as well as dictates of extant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, prescribes that every Nigerian brought to any hospital deserves the duty of care, stabilisation, and dignity, regardless of the condition they are brought in, or the apparent cause of the distress or trauma.
“The House therefore views this development from the Nigeria Police Force as timely and commendable considering rising complaints by Nigerians about hospitals that decline prompt treatment of victims of gunshot incidents, robberies, and even vehicular accidents who do not present Police reports.
“The IG’s action offers relief that value is placed on the life of every Citizen, and restores confidence in our hospitals.
“The House urges the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Medical Association to follow through on this commitment to strict compliance with the Act and prosecute offenders who contravene the same.
