Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, has appointed neurosurgeon Dr Timothy Samaila as the new Head of its Accident and Emergency Unit in the wake of a viral video that showed alleged neglect of accident victims at the hospital.

The appointment, announced by FMC Medical Director Prof. Saad Ahmed on Wednesday, is part of a broader response to a public outcry sparked by a disturbing video circulated on social media earlier this month.

The video, dated June 6, captured scenes of injured accident victims left unattended outside the emergency unit. Witnesses alleged that hospital staff declined to assist, citing a lack of medical consumables and refusing responsibility for moving patients into the emergency room.

The footage triggered nationwide outrage and prompted the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, to order a full investigation into the matter.

Investigative Panel Findings

In a statement 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”, Prof. Ahmed confirmed that the hospital set up an independent panel to examine the incident in line with established complaint-handling protocols.

“The panel thoroughly examined the incident, and appropriate measures have been taken based on its findings,” Ahmed said.

He clarified that all three accident victims seen in the video received treatment and were discharged in stable condition the same day. Furthermore, the panel found no shortage of medical supplies at the time, contradicting staff claims in the video.

Disciplinary Actions and Reforms

Several staff members who were on duty during the incident have been referred to the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee, in accordance with Nigeria’s Public Service Rules.

Dr Samaila’s appointment is part of a wider reform effort aimed at overhauling emergency response systems at the centre. According to the Medical Director, these reforms will include enhanced staff training, improvements in trauma care protocols, and emergency medicine upskilling.

“The goal is to strengthen response capacity and ensure that such lapses never happen again,” Ahmed said.

Collaborations for Global Best Practices

FMC Abuja also announced new partnerships with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and the Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain (MANSAG) to adopt global best practices in emergency healthcare delivery.

Public Feedback Encouraged

Prof. Ahmed urged the public to make use of the hospital’s official feedback and complaints channels, which are prominently displayed throughout the facility.

“Using these platforms ensures prompt attention, enhances patient satisfaction, and prevents incidents from escalating into public distrust or harassment of healthcare workers,” he added.

The hospital reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, professional accountability, and delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.

The viral incident and its aftermath have reignited national conversations about healthcare responsiveness, resource management, and accountability in public hospitals—issues that remain critical in the journey toward improving Nigeria’s health system.