The Lagos state government has warned all health care providers, including public and private health facilities operating in the state to stop rejecting gunshot victims and other trauma patients on the excuse of presenting a police report or evidence of funds before starting treatment.

The State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi gave the warning in a statement on Sunday, while reacting to investigations by the Ministry of Health.

The investigations revealed that some health facilities in the State are in the habit of rejecting or delaying care to trauma victims which has in some cases resulted in avoidable loss of lives.

According to him, such patients are not in a position to discuss the incidence or finance and are often brought in by good Samaritans.

“These deaths would have been avoided if health care providers were conversant with the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act, 2017 which stipulates that victims of gunshot and traumatic accidents should receive immediate treatment when presenting to healthcare facilities”, the Commissioner stated.

He urged hospitals, health centres and clinics to offer immediate comprehensive care to gunshot victims and other trauma patients without hindrance in line with the Federal Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act, 2017.