FG orders probe of alleged neglect of accident victims at FMC Abuja

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako has directed a full investigation into the alleged neglect of accident victims at the emergency unit of the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Jabi, Abuja.

In a video that trended on social media at the weekend, someone was heard lamenting that he rushed some accidents victims he saw at the road to the facility but that the staff were slow in attending to them.

The video showed arguments between the good Samaritan and some staff of the hospital one of whom talked about the unavailability of gloves. One of the victims was seen in a car while the others were finally assisted into the emergency unit.

SPONSOR AD

In a statement Sunday, Obadiah N.K. Gana, Public Relations Officer of  FMC Abuja said ,”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.”

He said the hospital’s preliminary findings indicate the following:

– The emergency department had an adequate supply of medical consumables, including latex gloves, contrary to the claims made in the video.

– Resuscitation equipment and medications were sufficient.

– There was no shortage of patient transfer equipment, including trolleys and wheelchairs.

– Interaction with staff on duty and other stakeholders is currently ongoing.

He said findings of the investigation will be made available to the public.

He said, “The management is committed to providing a full report of our investigation once it is completed. The Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, prides itself on its open-door policy. We have multiple patient feedback channels available, including several phone numbers displayed throughout the hospital, QR codes, and email contacts.”

While apologising for any distress or discomfort caused, the PRO assured  that  feedback is taken seriously.

“We value the trust placed in us and are committed to providing quality care with empathy and compassion. We appreciate the feedback and will work towards improving the quality of our services,” he stated.

Gana said that in addition to running a medical indigent fund to assist underprivileged patients with hospital bills, the hospital has successfully treated numerous unconscious patients and safely returned them to their relatives with the help of its social workers.