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By Tracy Moses
The management of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, has launched an internal investigation into alleged negligence at its emergency unit following the circulation of a viral video. The video, which surfaced online on June 6, 2025, purportedly depicts a case of poor emergency response at the hospital.
Addressing a press briefing on Monday, June 9, 2025, Head of Clinical Services, Dr. Muftau Bioku, dismissed the claims in the video, stating that the hospital remains fully equipped and committed to delivering quality, world-class healthcare services.
“We are aware of the viral video attempting to cast the hospital in a negative light. Immediately after it surfaced, we constituted a committee to thoroughly investigate the matter.
“Preliminary findings show that our emergency unit is well-stocked with necessary supplies, including IV fluids, cannulas, dressing packs, monitors, stretchers, and wheelchairs,” he said.
He revealed that eight staff members, comprising four doctors, two nurses, and two health attendants, are currently under investigation, adding that more individuals could be implicated as the inquiry progresses. “Accountability is key. No one will be shielded,” he stressed.
Dr. Bioku noted that the probe is in compliance with directives from the Federal Ministry of Health, which has mandated a full-scale investigation into the incident.
Responding to media concerns over the quality of emergency care and staff attitude, Dr. Bioku acknowledged that while the hospital has invested heavily in infrastructure and equipment, efforts to improve human relations are ongoing.
“We recognize the role of citizen journalism in strengthening accountability. Empathy and swift emergency response are non-negotiable in our field. This is why we maintain multiple feedback channels, including QR codes, hotlines, WhatsApp, and dedicated email addresses for real-time reporting of complaints,” he said.
A journalist at the briefing shared a personal experience involving a delay in emergency attention at the hospital in March. Reacting to this, Dr. Bioku assured that the hospital routinely organizes staff training to improve organizational culture and service delivery.
“Quarterly training sessions are held to address staff attitude and response times. The next session is scheduled within two weeks, targeting newly recruited personnel. We are determined to shift the narrative,” he stated.
On disciplinary action, he confirmed that FMC Abuja has, in the past, sanctioned erring staff based on feedback received from patients and their families.
Regarding emergency healthcare access, Dr. Bioku reaffirmed the hospital’s strict adherence to the federal directive that no patient in critical condition should be turned away. “Even when our emergency ward is at capacity, we do not reject patients. Our enrollment in the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) is part of a broader initiative to enhance emergency healthcare access,” he added.
Dr. Bioku also highlighted the hospital’s milestones in specialized care, emphasizing FMC Abuja’s capacity to provide advanced treatments that reduce the need for medical tourism. “We have been performing routine open-heart surgeries for over 34 years. Our use of a 100-watt Quanta laser machine for prostate and kidney stone treatment is a daily affair. In addition, our orthopedic team is actively engaged in hip, knee, and spinal surgeries. Our latest kidney transplant was a success,” he noted.
He disclosed that the hospital’s patient volume has significantly increased, with monthly attendance rising from 5,000 to over 30,000, reflecting growing public confidence.
“While we acknowledge there is still room for improvement, we are steadily advancing toward our goal of becoming a world-class healthcare institution. Patient satisfaction remains our top priority,” Dr. Bioku concluded.
He assured the public that the findings of the ongoing investigation will be made public and that appropriate measures will be taken to uphold the hospital’s standards and restore public trust.