FG Orders Emergency Care Reforms at FMC Abuja

FG Orders Emergency Care Reforms at FMC Abuja
FG to increase casualty officers and roll out national training
Security and infrastructure upgrades underway

By Grateful Ogunjebe

The Federal Government has ordered immediate reforms at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, following public outrage over delayed treatment of accident victims at the emergency unit.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, gave the directive on Sunday during an unscheduled inspection of the facility.

The move comes after a viral video sparked nationwide criticism and prompted an official investigation into the hospital’s emergency response.

Dr Salako received the report of the investigative panel during his visit and proceeded to assess operations at the emergency department first-hand.

He interacted with medical staff and reviewed infrastructure, manpower, and coordination efforts within the unit. He emphasised the importance of professionalism in emergency care delivery.

“You are in the eye of the storm, responsible for saving lives. Even if you’ve done one million things right, one mistake is what the public will remember,” the minister told the staff.

To improve emergency services, Dr Salako directed the FMC Abuja to increase casualty officers on duty from two to at least four per shift.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the minister also instructed that newly recruited health assistants be fully integrated into clinical support operations.

Salako identified pressing infrastructure issues at the facility, despite recent improvements in electricity and water supply, and called for urgent upgrades.

He stressed that infrastructure improvements must directly enhance patient care and outcomes, not just administrative functions.

Security was also a major focus of the visit, with hospital officials confirming collaboration with private firms and the NSCDC to control access to sensitive areas.

The minister urged the strengthening of CCTV and other surveillance systems, highlighting their value in past investigations into patient care issues.

Head of the Emergency Unit, Dr Timothy Sama’ila, acknowledged the challenges the hospital faces, including staff shortages, space limitations, and a growing patient load.

The minister’s visit reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to improving emergency healthcare and ensuring timely, efficient services for all Nigerians.

In addition to the FMC reforms, the Federal Government will roll out a nationwide emergency care training programme to standardise emergency response in public hospitals.