Abuja – July 2, 2025 — The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, has appointed Dr. Timothy Samaila, a neurosurgeon, as the new Head of its Accident and Emergency Unit following a probe into a viral video that showed alleged neglect of accident victims at the hospital.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday in a statement by the hospital’s Medical Director, Prof. Saad Ahmed. The statement was titled “Findings of the Investigative Panel on Staff Response to Accident Victims at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja Following a Viral Video Seen on Social Media.”
The video, which circulated online on June 6, portrayed a disturbing scene where accident victims were left unattended at FMC’s emergency unit. According to reports, hospital staff allegedly refused to assist the victims, citing a lack of medical supplies and claiming it was not their responsibility to move patients into the unit.
The incident triggered nationwide outrage, prompting the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, to order a full-scale investigation.
Prof. Ahmed disclosed that the hospital learned about the incident through social media and, in line with its patient complaint protocols, swiftly constituted an impartial investigative panel.
“The panel thoroughly examined the incident, and appropriate measures have been taken based on its findings,” Ahmed said.
Dr. Samaila’s appointment, he added, is part of a wider reform effort aimed at improving trauma response, enhancing staff preparedness, and strengthening emergency medicine training at the facility.
The Medical Director clarified that all three accident victims featured in the video were eventually treated and discharged in stable condition the same day. He also dismissed claims of medical supply shortages at the time of the incident, citing the panel's findings.
“To ensure transparency and professional accountability, several staff members who were on duty during the incident have been referred to the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee in line with Public Service Rules,” Ahmed noted.
Further reforms were also announced, including strategic collaborations with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and the Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain to adopt international best practices in emergency care delivery.
Ahmed urged patients and members of the public to use the hospital’s designated feedback and complaint platforms, which are displayed across all service points.
“Using these channels ensures timely intervention, improves patient satisfaction, and prevents situations that can lead to misunderstanding or harassment of healthcare workers,” he stated.
He concluded by reaffirming the hospital's commitment to delivering high-quality and compassionate healthcare services, assuring the public of continuous improvements in emergency care at FMC Abuja.
