Ekiti State Government has directed hospitals and other medical facilities in the state to receive victims of gunshots for immediate treatment in their facilities even when there is no police report. 

Recall that the acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, recently issued a directive to medical practitioners in Nigeria to provide prompt and compassionate treatment to all victims of gunshots and accidents.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, said the IGP’s decision “was a response to the relentless outcry from concerned citizens, emphasising the tragic consequences of delays in treating such victims.

A statement, made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday, by the state Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, explained that the directive by the state followed an order by the Inspector General of Police to comply with the provisions of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for victims of Gunshot Act of 2017 without any hesitation.

The commissioner urged medical personnel, good Samaritans and sympathisers not to fear that they would be implicated if they assist victims of gunshots.

IN Kogi, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Zakari Usman, yesterday, while speaking with newsman in Lokoja, also noted that the directive was in line with the position of the IGP. 

He told hospitals and other healthcare providers in the state to see victims of gunshots as people, who need immediate medical attention to remain alive and stressed that not all gunshot victims are criminals, and even criminals have rights to medical care.
 
He said the Kogi State Government is committed to ensuring constant upgrading of medical facilities in the state to meet global standards towards providing seamless and proper medical attention to the people of the state.