FRSC officers assisting road crash victims in Nigeria
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has strongly advised healthcare facilities across Nigeria to adopt a more responsive and humane approach to handling road traffic emergencies, warning against the dangerous trend of rejecting accident victims.
This appeal comes after several reports revealed that some hospitals have refused to admit crash victims rescued and brought in by FRSC personnel. In a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed expressed deep concern over the situation, describing such practices as unethical and life-threatening.
He particularly commended the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja, for its swift intervention following an incident involving alleged staff negligence, emphasizing the need for hospitals to prioritise life-saving care over bureaucracy.
According to the Corps Marshal, the 2024 National Road Traffic Regulations explicitly prohibit the refusal of care for road crash victims and establish penalties for non-compliance or professional misconduct.
“Timely medical attention is not just a moral duty but a legal obligation under Nigerian law,” Mohammed stated, adding that immediate response can significantly reduce fatalities and improve survival outcomes.
The Corps also acknowledged the efforts of a good Samaritan who transported a critically injured victim to a nearby hospital, urging more Nigerians to demonstrate similar compassion during emergencies.
FRSC reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with medical institutions and emergency service providers to enhance Nigeria’s emergency care systems. The agency also pledged to intensify public awareness campaigns and policy enforcement to ensure victims of road accidents receive the urgent care they deserve.
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