OSUN GOVERNMENT MANDATES HOSPITALS NOT TO REFUSE GUNSHOT VICTIMS

By Segilola Babalola

Osun State Government has issued a directive to healthcare professionals in State hospitals and medical facilities, mandating them to provide immediate treatment to gunshot victims, even in the absence of a police report.

Commissioner for Health, Barr Jola Akintola, gave this directive  during an interview with pressmen held in his office in Osogbo.

He disclosed that this directive aligns with the order issued by the Inspector General of Police, regarding the treatment of gunshot victims, the aim of which, according to him, is to enforce the provisions of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act of 2017, without any delay.

The Commissioner,who explained that gunshot injuries are medical emergencies where every moment is crucial, in the effort to save the victim's life, advanced that immediate medical attention is essential to prevent permanent damage or fatality.

He then encouraged medical personnel, good samaritans, and sympathizers not to fear any implication for providing assistance to gunshot victims, stressing that all hospitals and health care providers in the State should treat gunshot victims promptly, as their lives are at stake.

 While asserting that not all gunshot victims are criminals, he clarified that even individuals involved in criminal activities have the right to receive medical care.

 Barr Jola Akintola pointedly emphasized that the previous practice of requiring a police report for treatment will no longer be tolerated, lamenting that it has resulted in preventable deaths due to hospitals insisting on such documentation.