Prioritise treatment of accident victims, stop rejection, FRSC begs hospitals

FRSC Urges Hospitals to Prioritise Emergency Care for Road Accident Victims

In a heartfelt appeal during the 2025 Customer Service Week celebration, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has called on hospitals across Nigeria to prioritise the treatment of road crash victims and cease the practice of rejecting them upon arrival.

The plea was made by Olajide Mogaji, the Sector Commander of the FRSC in Plateau State, during an event held at the agency’s headquarters in Jos.

Mogaji acknowledged that while Plateau State has largely avoided such incidents, there have been troubling reports from other regions where hospitals refuse to treat accident victims without prior documentation or payment.

He stressed that this practice is not only unethical but also illegal, as government policy mandates immediate medical attention for crash victims regardless of their financial or legal status. He reminded medical institutions that penalties await those who violate this directive and urged them to uphold their duty to save lives.

The FRSC commander also shed light on the dangers faced by rescue personnel during emergency operations, advocating for the arming of FRSC staff to ensure their safety in volatile situations. He noted that rescue missions can be perilous, especially in areas prone to insecurity, and called for public support in enabling the Corps to carry arms.

As Nigeria enters the high-traffic “ember” months, Mogaji reiterated the importance of obeying traffic regulations to curb the rising tide of road accidents. He warned against common infractions such as overspeeding, overloading, and reckless driving, which continue to endanger lives on the nation’s highways.

Delivering the goodwill message of the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, the Zonal Commanding Officer, represented by Corps Commander Elizabeth Ameh, emphasised the need for collaboration between the FRSC and the public. She highlighted that road safety is a shared responsibility and praised stakeholders who have contributed to awareness campaigns.

The event also featured award presentations to media partners like Jay 101.9 FM and Plateau Radio Television Corporation, recognising their efforts in promoting road safety education in Plateau State.

This renewed call from the FRSC underscores the urgency of treating accident victims with compassion and immediacy, reinforcing the principle that no life should be lost due to bureaucratic delays or institutional neglect.