AN OVERVIEW AND CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE COMPULSORY TREATMENT AND CARE FOR VICTIMS OF GUNSHOT ACT, 2017

Abstract

The Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act, 2017 was enacted to guarantee that individuals with gunshot injuries promptly receive appropriate and sufficient medical treatment and care. It mandates reporting all cases of gunshot wounds to the police in order to ensure that incidents involving guns are properly documented and investigated. Its enactment was welcomed as a huge relief for the protection of gunshot victims. However, since its enactment not much has changed, as victims are still neglected and refused treatment when there is no police report. This state of affairs prompted the Inspector General of Police and other stakeholders to reiterate that gunshot victims should be accepted for treatment without police report. This paper seeks to provide an overview of the current reality of gunshot victims in Nigeria regarding prompt treatment. Is the enforcement of the Act enough? Is there a need for more efforts on the part of government and other stakeholders? The study employs a doctrinal research methodology, utilizing primary and secondary sources of law, including legislation, books, articles in journals, newspapers, and internet materials, to provide answers to the aforementioned questions. The paper concludes by making some recommendations, which include collaboration between hospitals and the police.