The Federal Medical Centre, FMC, in Abuja has promised a full-scale investigation of its emergency response procedures as captured in a viral video that has sparked public concern.
The footage, which surfaced online recently portrays a scenario suggesting the hospital lacked essential emergency resources and responsiveness.
Management of the hospital in a response by its Public Relations Officer, Mr. Obadiah Gana disclosed that the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako has directed the centre to commence an in-depth inquiry into the incident.
“We have been made aware of an online video that negatively depicts our hospital. In response, we have initiated a thorough investigation to uncover the facts surrounding this incident,” Gana stated. He assured the public that findings from the investigation would be disclosed in due course.
Preliminary information from the hospital has already contradicted some claims made in the video. According to the statement, FMC Abuja’s emergency department is fully stocked with medical consumables, including latex gloves, medications, and resuscitation equipment.
It also reported no shortages of trolleys, wheelchairs, or other patient transfer equipment on the day in question.
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“Interaction with staff on duty and other stakeholders is currently ongoing to provide clarity and ensure accountability where necessary,” Gana added.
The hospital also offered an apology for any distress the video might have caused and reaffirmed its dedication to delivering quality healthcare with empathy and compassion.
Gana emphasized the facility’s commitment to transparency and feedback, encouraging patients and families to use the available complaint channels, which include phone hotlines, QR codes, and email contacts posted throughout the hospital.
To further underscore its social responsibility, the statement highlighted the existence of FMC’s medical indigent fund, which supports underprivileged patients in settling hospital bills.
The fund, administered with the assistance of social workers, has facilitated the treatment and reunification of many unconscious or vulnerable patients with their families.
In defense of its broader reputation, the hospital reminded the public of its status as a national centre for several advanced medical procedures.
These include open-heart surgery, laser and spine surgery, kidney transplants, and other treatments that are rarely available in public healthcare facilities in Nigeria.
“Despite this incident, we remain focused on continuous improvement in the quality of our care and services,” Gana said, while assuring that any shortcomings identified would be addressed promptly and decisively.
This development comes amid increased public scrutiny of emergency response systems across the country. While the investigation continues, the hospital has called for patience and pledged to release its findings transparently to maintain trust and accountability within the healthcare sector.
