Olu Samuel, Lokoja

The Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Zakari Usman has directed hospitals and other healthcare providers in the state to give prompt attention to gunshot victims in line with the need to save human lives.

Dr Zakari Usman who stated this on Monday while speaking with newsman in Lokoja noted that the directive is in line with the position of the Inspector General of police to deviate from the norms of the past when police report was required before victims of Gunshots could be treated at hospitals.

“All hospitals and other healthcare providers in the state should see victims of gunshots as people who need immediate medical attention to safe lives.

He reiterated that not all gunshot victims are criminals, and even criminals have rights to medical care.

He explained that the Kogi State Government is committed to ensuring constant upgrading of medical facilities in the state to meet global standards towards providing seamless and proper medical attention to the people of the state.

According to him, the practice of making it compulsory for the presentation of medical reports ” the treatment of gunshot victims will no longer be tolerated as many preventable deaths have occurred where hospitals insisted on such police reports”.

The Commissioner assured medical personnel and other good Nigerians who provide assistance to such victims of gunshot wounds not to be scared any longer inview of the assurances given by the inspector general of police as seen in his signed directive.