The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, has confirmed that eight of its staff members — including four doctors, two nurses, and two health attendants — are currently under investigation for alleged negligence following a viral social media video that sparked widespread public outrage.
Hospital Responds to Viral Video Alleging Neglect of Accident Victims
Addressing journalists at a press briefing on Monday, the hospital’s Head of Clinical Services, Dr. Bioku Muftau, disclosed that the internal probe was initiated after a video surfaced online showing victims of a road traffic accident purportedly left unattended at the hospital’s Emergency Unit.
In the viral footage, a good Samaritan who transported the accident victims to the hospital accused medical personnel of refusing immediate care, allegedly citing a lack of gloves as a reason for inaction.
Victims Treated and Discharged — Hospital Management
Dr. Muftau clarified that all victims seen in the video have since been treated and discharged. “The patient with the head injury, who was the focus of public concern, was stabilised and discharged the same day he arrived at our facility,” he confirmed.
He added that the hospital, contrary to claims of being overwhelmed, maintains a robust and well-equipped workforce capable of handling emergency situations. “We have over 100 consultants across various specialties, including three neurosurgeons dedicated to trauma cases,” Muftau stated.
Federal Government Orders Investigation
The Federal Ministry of Health, through the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, has ordered a full investigation into the incident. Dr. Muftau assured that findings from the inquiry would be made public once concluded.
“All staff on duty that day — four doctors, two nurses, and two health attendants — are currently under investigation. If any are found guilty of negligence or dereliction of duty, appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken in accordance with civil service rules and medical ethics,” he stressed.
Hospital Denies Capacity Issues
In response to reports suggesting the facility was understaffed at the time of the incident, the hospital management refuted the claims, asserting that FMC Abuja remains one of the best-staffed federal hospitals in the country.
Public Demand for Accountability
The viral incident has reignited public discourse around emergency healthcare responsiveness in Nigeria’s public hospitals, with advocacy groups calling for stricter enforcement of patient rights and improved emergency care protocols nationwide.
