The Kogi State House of Assembly has introduced a bill aimed at ensuring compulsory medical treatment and care for victims of accidents, gunshot injuries, and related matters. Ochidi Shehu Usman, the member representing Dekina/Biraidu Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, presented the bill for debate.
He expressed concern about the lackadaisical attitude of healthcare providers toward accident and gunshot victims in the state.
Usman cited a case involving a victim based in Abuja who was allegedly pushed out of a moving vehicle by suspected criminals and bled to death because the health facility did not attend to her promptly.
He explained that the proposed law would require everyone, including security agents, to provide immediate treatment to accident and gunshot victims without requiring payment or a police report. The objective is to ensure that victims receive timely and adequate care before their relatives arrive.
The bill also underscores that accident and gunshot victims should not face inhumane treatment or torture from any individual or authority, including the police or security agencies.
Additionally, healthcare providers who admit individuals with gunshot wounds must report the incident to the nearest police station within two hours of starting treatment to prevent criminals from exploiting the situation.
Comfort Ojoma, the legislator representing Ibaji Constituency, expressed her support for the bill. She shared her experience of having to stand as a surety for gunshot and accident victims before they could receive medical treatment.
Ojoma emphasized that the current situation in the country necessitates that medical professionals prioritize attending to medical emergencies without unnecessary delays or bureaucratic requirements like demanding police reports or upfront payment for treatment.
