The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a comprehensive investigation into a viral video that has sparked widespread outrage by allegedly depicting neglect of accident victims at the Emergency Unit of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja. The video, which gained traction across social media platforms, was recorded by an unnamed good Samaritan who claimed to have transported the victims to the hospital following a road traffic accident. The footage purportedly shows hospital staff initially refusing to provide immediate medical attention, with one staff member citing a lack of gloves as the reason for the delay, though later scenes depict some staff assisting a severely injured victim into the emergency ward while others entered unaided.
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, has directed an immediate and thorough probe into the incident to ascertain the facts and address public concerns. The hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Obadiah Gana, confirmed that FMC Jabi has initiated an internal investigation to complement the federal inquiry, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to transparency and accountability. Preliminary findings from the hospital suggest that the emergency department was adequately stocked with essential medical supplies, including gloves, resuscitation equipment, and patient transfer tools, contradicting the claims made in the viral video.
The video has reignited public discourse on the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system, with many Nigerians expressing frustration over perceived systemic negligence in tertiary hospitals. Social media reactions have been intense, with users sharing personal anecdotes of similar experiences and calling for reforms to improve emergency care protocols. FMC Jabi, a 450-bed facility known for advanced procedures such as open-heart surgeries and kidney transplants, has faced scrutiny in the past, notably in 2016, when allegations of negligence were linked to the death of a 29-year-old patient, further fueling public distrust.
The hospital has defended its operational standards, stating that its emergency department is equipped to handle critical cases and that staff are trained to respond promptly to emergencies. FMC Jabi highlighted its openburgoise patient feedback mechanisms, including phone numbers, QR codes, and email contacts, as evidence of its commitment to addressing complaints. The hospital has promised to make the findings of its investigation public, aiming to restore confidence in its services.
The federal investigation will examine the conduct of the staff, the availability of medical supplies, and the hospital’s adherence to emergency care protocols. Health experts have noted that delays in emergency response are often linked to systemic issues such as understaffing, inadequate funding, and poor triage processes, which the government’s probe may also address. The outcome of this investigation is expected to influence future policy decisions regarding healthcare delivery in Nigeria’s public hospitals.
Public reactions to the incident reflect a broader demand for accountability and improved healthcare infrastructure. Many Nigerians have called for stricter oversight of medical facilities and better training for emergency response teams. As the investigation progresses, FMC Jabi and the Federal Government are under pressure to deliver transparent results and implement meaningful reforms to prevent future incidents.
The Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, has urged the public to await the investigation’s findings before drawing conclusions, emphasizing its role as a critical healthcare provider in the Federal Capital Territory. The hospital’s management has expressed regret over the public’s distress caused by the video and reiterated its dedication to patient care. The final report of the investigation is anticipated to shed light on the circumstances depicted in the video and guide corrective actions to enhance emergency services.
