In a decisive move to address ambiguity and extend the protective umbrella of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshots Act 2017, Kakalistiq.com reports that Rep. Wale Raji, the Member representing Epe Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, has sponsored a groundbreaking bill titled the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshots Act (Amendment) Bill 2023.
This legislative initiative, which has scaled through the first reading on Wednesday, December 19th, 2023, aims to broaden the scope of the existing law to encompass victims of various dangerous weapons beyond gunshots.
Rep. Wale Raji, also the Chairman of the House Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasized the need to eliminate the existing ambiguity in the 2017 Act.
The proposed amendment seeks to establish, by law, the obligation of both private and public hospitals to provide immediate medical treatment not only for gunshot victims but also for those injured by other dangerous weapons like knives, cutlasses, bottles, dagas, and similar arms, irrespective of the presence of a police clearance or report.
The legislator highlighted that the current ambiguity in the law has resulted in the loss of precious lives, especially when it comes to victims of weapons not explicitly mentioned in the 2017 Act.
The amendment is designed to ensure that no life is jeopardized due to the absence of a police report, which might be challenging to obtain when a victim is in critical condition and urgently requires medical attention.
Rep. Wale Raji disclosed his commitment to fortifying public institutions with the introduction of bills that directly impact the strengthening of these institutions for the overall benefit of the nation and its citizens.
Among the bills sponsored in the current 10th Assembly are those addressing issues such as the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal, alterations to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, amendments to the Electoral Act, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Act, and modifications to the Central Bank of Nigeria Act.
The legislator affirmed his dedication to leveraging his experience to reinforce public institutions, propel grassroots development, and empower his constituents.
