The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has directed a comprehensive investigation into a viral video showing alleged neglect of accident victims at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abuja‘s emergency unit.
The controversial footage, which has sparked widespread public outrage, appears to show staff at the Jabi-based hospital abandoning patients who had been rushed to the emergency department following accidents. In the video, hospital personnel can be heard citing shortages of basic medical supplies as justification for their actions.
According to the recording, staff members claimed the hospital lacked essential items, including latex gloves, resuscitation equipment, and patient transfer devices such as trolleys and wheelchairs. However, federal authorities have strongly disputed these assertions.
The hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Obadiah Gana, released a statement on Sunday categorically denying the supply shortage claims made in the viral video. According to Gana, preliminary investigations have revealed that the emergency department was adequately stocked with all necessary medical consumables and equipment at the time of the incident.
“Our preliminary findings indicate that the emergency department had an adequate supply of medical consumables, including latex gloves, contrary to the claims made in the video,” the statement read. “Resuscitation equipment and medications were sufficient. There was no shortage of patient transfer equipment, including trolleys and wheelchairs.”
The hospital management has initiated internal discussions with the staff members who were on duty during the incident, as well as with relevant stakeholders, to establish the complete facts surrounding the case. Officials have promised that the full investigation findings will be made public once the inquiry is completed.
FMC Abuja has attempted to reassure the public about its commitment to quality healthcare delivery, highlighting its specialised services, including open-heart surgery, laser surgery, kidney transplants, and spine surgery. The facility also operates a medical indigent fund to assist underprivileged patients and maintains multiple patient feedback channels.
Hospital management has apologised for any distress caused by the incident and pledged to use the feedback to improve service quality.
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