By Folasade Akpan

The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abuja has appointed Dr Timothy Samaila, a neurosurgeon, as the new Head of its Accident and Emergency Unit.

The appointment follows the outcome of an investigation into a viral video that alleged the neglect of accident victims at the facility.

The Medical Director of the centre, Prof. Saad Ahmed, announced the appointment in a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja.

The 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,” detailed the centre’s response to the June 6 incident.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the video, which circulated widely on social media, showed accident victims left unattended at the hospital’s emergency unit.

According to the footage, hospital staff reportedly refused to help the victims, citing a lack of medical consumables and stating it was not their responsibility to transport patients into the unit.

The incident sparked public outrage and prompted the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, to order a full investigation.

Ahmed said the hospital was made aware of the incident via social media and, in line with its complaint-handling protocols, set up an impartial investigative panel.

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

He added that Samaila’s appointment was part of broader reforms to improve trauma response, enhance staff readiness, and strengthen emergency medicine training at the hospital.

Ahmed clarified that the three accident victims seen in the video were treated and discharged in stable condition on the same day.

He also confirmed that there was no shortage of medical supplies at the time, as established by the panel.

“For transparency and professional accountability, some staff members on duty during the incident have been referred to the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee, in line with Public Service Rules,” he said.

Additionally, Ahmed announced new collaborations with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and the Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain (MANSAG) to implement global best practices in emergency care.

He encouraged patients and the public to use the hospital’s official feedback and complaints platforms, which were clearly displayed at all service points.

“Using these platforms ensures prompt attention, enhances patient satisfaction, and helps avoid incidents that may escalate into harassment of healthcare workers.

“We acknowledge the concerns raised by the public and reaffirm our commitment to maintaining and improving the high-quality services FMC Abuja is known for,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Folasade Akpan

The National Hospital, Abuja, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center at Virginia Commonwealth University, U.S., to strengthen cancer research and enhance clinical trials in Nigeria.

The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Muhammad Mahmud, and the Director of the Centre, Dr Robert Winn, signed the agreement on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-year MoU aims to develop sustainable collaboration in oncology, particularly in advancing clinical trials and training the next generation of scientists.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Winn said the partnership sought to establish a globally recognised model for equitable and impactful cancer research collaboration.

He highlighted that cancer-related deaths in the U.S. had dropped by 36 per cent over the past three decades, largely due to clinical trial advancements, a success he hopes to replicate in Nigeria and Africa.

“If we do this right, more Nigerians will live without cancer, and we may set an example of how fewer Africans die from the disease,” he said.

Winn outlined three key focus areas: implementation of clinical trials, education and training of new scientists, and translating impactful research into patient care.

He emphasised that although the initial MoU spans two years, it would be reviewed and strengthened every two years to ensure long-term impact.

“What we hope to build is a model for partnerships that’s fair, collaborative, and globally effective,” he added.

Winn also suggested expanding the partnership to other Nigerian institutions, including the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), to amplify impact across the country.

Mahmud described the agreement as a milestone in the hospital’s pursuit of excellence in cancer care.

“This MoU is part of our strategy to elevate institutions that are already at a high standard.

“The National Hospital has become a leader in oncology within the West African sub-region,” he said.

He added that the collaboration would accelerate advancements in clinical care and cancer research, expanding the hospital’s reach and capabilities.

“Our patients come from across the region. With this partnership, we are positioned to break new grounds in cancer care and clinical research,” Mahmud stated. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Abujah Racheal

The Federal Ministry of Health says transparency, inclusiveness and inter-agency collaboration are fuelling steady progress in the implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, said this during the 11th meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) on BHCPF on Monday in Abuja.

Salako said that the committee reflected the ministry’s commitment to inclusive and accountable health governance.

“The MOC reflects the level of transparency and inclusiveness that is now driving the system.

“We are seeing more active engagement from sub-national governments, civil society organisations and the four implementing gateways; this synergy is critical to delivering better health outcomes,” he said.

The minister said that the current process was fostering greater enrolment in health insurance, as stakeholders aligned their priorities and worked in a more coordinated manner.

He also underscored the impact of the Presidential Executive Order on unlocking the healthcare value chain, stating that its implementation was beginning to show results across different components of the health system.

“This Order has had a positive ripple effect on Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry,” he said.

He shared insights from a recent engagement with a leading drug manufacturer, commending the Senate for its role in fast-tracking regulatory reforms.

Salako, however, raised a critical question, “Are these benefits being transferred to the patients?”

He said that the ultimate aim must be to lower drug prices at the pharmacy counter.

The minister urged stakeholders to ensure that cost savings were not absorbed solely by manufacturers but passed on to those in need.

In addition, he called for greater flexibility in evaluating innovative proposals that may fall outside traditional funding parameters.

“The revitalisation of primary healthcare, a key agenda of President Bola Tinubu, is no longer just a plan, it is becoming visible and measurable,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the BHCPF, which aims to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare through sustainable financing, continues to gain traction across states.

The MOC serves as a critical platform for monitoring, reviewing, and aligning health sector progress toward Universal Health Coverage. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Kadiri Abdulrahman