Senate orders hospitals to treat gunshot victims without police report, monetary deposit

The senate has passed a bill that compels hospitals across the country to treat gunshot victims without demanding police report or financial deposit.

The bill titled, “Compulsory Treatment and Care of Victims of Gunshots” was passed during the senate’s Tuesday’s plenary session.

The bill also mandates security agents to assist people with gunshot wounds and ensure that they are taken to the nearest hospital for immediate treatment.

President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, while passing the bill said most gunshot victims are not criminals.

According to Saraki, “By the passage of this Bill, the Senate has moved to ensure that every hospital in Nigeria, both public and private, must accept to treat victims of gunshot wounds without any clearance from the police.

“What we have done is to ensure that everyone is entitled to medical treatment, irrespective of the cause of the shooting.

“We should reserve judgment for the criminal justice system, and leave healthcare for the medical professionals.”

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