By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), have reminded hospitals that refusing to treat gunshot victims without a police report is illegal and unethical.
They cited the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Wounds Act (2017), which mandates all hospitals: public and private to treat victims immediately. The law prescribes up to five years’ imprisonment or a ₦500,000 fine for violations.
NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, said doctors must “treat first” and leave documentation to police, urging sanctions for offenders.
NMCN Registrar, Mr. Ndagi Alhassan, added that saving lives must come before paperwork.
