The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) have renewed calls for hospitals to provide immediate care to gunshot victims without demanding police reports.
The appeal follows repeated incidents of patients being denied treatment, despite the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Wounds Act (2017), which mandates all hospitals, public and private, to treat victims promptly. The law prescribes up to five years in prison or a ₦500,000 fine for anyone whose actions lead to avoidable death due to non-treatment.
NARD President, Mohammad Suleiman described the continued refusal of care as “unacceptable,” stressing that medical duty and the law both require immediate treatment. “Our role as doctors is to save lives, not judge,” he said, adding that doctors must prioritise emergencies regardless of paperwork or payment issues.
He urged citizens to report any violations, warning that erring practitioners could face sanctions from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
Similarly, NMCN Registrar, Ndagi Alhassan reminded nurses that federal directives take precedence over restrictive hospital policies. “Life comes first, documentation can follow,” he said, encouraging nurses to stabilise victims before handling any administrative requirements.
Both bodies reaffirmed that no hospital should delay or deny emergency care under any circumstances. They called for stronger enforcement of the Gunshot Wounds Act and renewed awareness campaigns to ensure that every medical worker understands their legal and ethical obligations.
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