In Nigeria, a shocking incident has cast a grim light on a longstanding issue: the demand for police reports before hospitals will treat accident and violence victims. This practice has tragically claimed the life of Greatness Olorunfemi, a young woman who fell victim to “one-chance” criminals in Abuja.
Reports have emerged that the Maitama General Hospital in Abuja refused to provide medical attention to Greatness Olorunfemi, who had been pushed out of a moving vehicle by criminals. Instead of immediate care, the hospital insisted on a police report, a requirement that ultimately led to her untimely death.
The heartbreaking story was shared on social media by @Gbemilekhe, who recounted how Greatness was denied treatment at the hospital and subsequently passed away. @Nwaadaz, a friend of the victim, corroborated the account, adding that assailants had also stabbed Greatness, and she bled to death due to the hospital’s refusal to admit her without a police report.
Despite attempts to reach the hospital management for their side of the story, no response was received at the time of this report. However, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has initiated an investigation into the matter.
This tragic incident highlights a deeply troubling issue in Nigeria – the insistence on police reports as a prerequisite for medical treatment, especially in cases of gunshot or stab wounds. This practice, rooted in historical concerns about armed criminals seeking medical help, has persistently led to unnecessary deaths.
It is worth noting that in December 2014, Nigeria passed the ‘National Health Act,’ which explicitly criminalized the demand for police reports by health facilities before providing emergency medical treatment. Yet, despite this legislation, hospitals have continued to deny medical attention to those in dire need, in flagrant violation of the law.
In 2017, President Muhammadu Buhari took further steps to address this issue by signing the “Compulsory Treatment and Care of Victims of Gunshots Act” into law. This act abolishes the need for police reports during emergencies, compelling hospitals to treat all patients with gunshot wounds or other health emergencies. It also mandates assistance from security agencies and ensures that no one is denied immediate and adequate treatment, irrespective of their ability to make a monetary deposit.
In the wake of Greatness Olorunfemi’s tragic death, questions are being raised about the Maitama General Hospital’s adherence to these laws. Many are calling for accountability and justice, as it appears that their inconsiderate rules may have cost a young life.
The sad reality remains that despite legal safeguards, the demand for police reports before medical treatment continues to plague Nigeria’s healthcare system, endangering the lives of its citizens. The urgent need for a comprehensive and effective solution to this problem cannot be overstated.
