The federal government has launched a full investigation into a viral video showing alleged neglect of accident victims at the emergency unit of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja. The video, widely circulated online, depicted hospital staff reportedly abandoning accident victims, with claims that the action was due to a lack of medical consumables, resuscitation equipment, and patient transfer tools.
In response, the government has denied these allegations, stating that preliminary findings indicate the emergency department was adequately stocked with necessary medical supplies, including gloves, medications, and transfer equipment such as trolleys and wheelchairs.
The hospital management confirmed that it has begun engaging with the staff involved and other stakeholders to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has directed a comprehensive investigation, with a promise to make the findings public.
The hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Obadiah Gana, emphasized that FMC Abuja maintains an open-door policy for patient feedback and operates a medical indigent fund to assist underprivileged patients. He also highlighted the hospital’s capacity for advanced medical procedures, including open-heart surgery, kidney transplants, and spine surgery.
The hospital apologized for any distress caused by the incident and assured the public of its commitment to providing quality care with empathy and compassion. The management pledged to release a full report once the investigation is completed and to continue working towards improving service delivery.
