By Ebenezer Mabinuola
The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Jabi, Abuja, is under intense scrutiny following a viral video that surfaced online between June 9 and the early hours of June 10, 2025.
The footage, showing accident victims allegedly left unattended in the hospital’s emergency ward, has sparked widespread public outrage and prompted an official investigation by the Federal Ministry of Health.
According to the Good Samaritan who brought the victims to FMC, medical staff refused treatment, citing a lack of gloves – a claim the hospital has strongly denied.
FMC Abuja, a key tertiary facility that now sees over 30,000 patients monthly, has long been dogged by controversy despite its growing importance. In response to the uproar, the hospital confirmed that eight staff members four doctors, two nurses, and two health attendants – are under investigation for professional negligence.
At a press briefing, Dr. Muftau Bioku, Head of Clinical Services, insisted the emergency ward is well stocked with essential supplies and emphasized the hospital’s role in the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS). He also highlighted ongoing staff training efforts and accessible feedback channels.
Still, public trust remains fragile. The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, has ordered a full-scale probe, promising that any confirmed negligence will be addressed transparently. While FMC boasts over 100 consultants, critics argue that systemic issues – underfunding, poor infrastructure, and staff fatigue – continue to cripple healthcare delivery.
For many Nigerians, this latest controversy underscores an urgent need for reform and a system that prioritizes human life with dignity and urgency.
