The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and the Nigerian Medical and Dental Consultants’ Network (NMCN) have directed all hospitals across Nigeria to provide immediate medical attention to gunshot victims, even without a police report.
The directive, issued on Saturday, October 11, 2025, reaffirms the provisions of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act, 2017, which makes it mandatory for every health facility, public or private, to treat gunshot victims before any police documentation.
Both organisations condemned the continued rejection of such victims, describing it as unethical and unlawful.
They reminded medical practitioners that the law requires hospitals to notify the nearest police station within two hours after commencing treatment, not before.
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NARD and NMCN said refusal to treat gunshot victims violates professional ethics and constitutes a criminal offence under the Act.
They urged the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant agencies to ensure strict nationwide compliance.
The 2017 law, signed by then President Muhammadu Buhari, prescribes penalties for any medical personnel, hospital, or security officer who denies treatment, leading to loss of life or further injury.