Federal Medical Centre Abuja has rejected allegations of patient abandonment after a viral video sparked widespread criticism, maintaining that all accident victims received proper care and were released within hours.
At a Monday press conference, Dr Bioku Muftau, Head of Clinical Services, dismissed the video as false and harmful to the hospital’s reputation.
The hospital chief explained that the patient shown with head trauma was immediately stabilized, treated appropriately, and sent home on June 6.
Following orders from Health Minister of State Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the medical facility has begun investigating eight personnel involved in the incident, including four physicians, two nurses, and two support staff.
“This matter is being handled with utmost seriousness. Every staff member involved is being reviewed, and any wrongdoing will result in proper sanctions,” Dr Muftau stated. “Our institution operates under strict guidelines against medical negligence.”
The administrator outlined the hospital’s continuous staff development programs, including mandatory training sessions and orientation courses for new employees.
Addressing claims that emergency patients are turned away due to space limitations, Dr Muftau reaffirmed the facility’s open-door emergency policy.
“Regardless of our occupancy levels, we always accommodate urgent cases. While our participation in the National Emergency Management and Ambulance System is new, our commitment to accepting all patients has always existed,” he explained.
Dr Muftau showcased the hospital’s charitable efforts, describing recent cases where treatment costs were absorbed for indigent patients.
“We performed life-saving surgery on an unidentified stabbing victim and cared for an unconscious individual who was eventually reunited with relatives. Our indigent care fund covered these expenses,” he revealed.
Responding to staffing concerns, the medical director emphasized the institution’s robust human resources, boasting over 100 specialist doctors, including three brain surgeons and five kidney specialists, surpassing many university hospitals.
The hospital administration promised transparency in sharing investigation results and requested public patience while working to restore confidence in their healthcare delivery.
