Viral : FMC Abuja video should spark healthcare reform- Expert

The recent viral video originating from the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abuja has successfully triggered a much-needed national debate on healthcare delivery, empathy, and the urgency for leadership reforms across Nigeria.

This was stated by Dr. Douglas Okor, a Consultant Neurosurgeon and Health Reform Advocate, in an interview with the Press on Wednesday in Abuja.

Okor emphasized that the incident should serve as a wake-up call for comprehensive reforms spanning governance and healthcare administration. “My response to the recent FMC Abuja video is that, while it may be a sensational social media episode, I hope it becomes an opportunity for reflection,” he said. “We need transformational leaders, starting with office holders, who understand that healthcare is a core socio-political priority.”

Dr. Okor stressed that healthcare must be treated as a key indicator of good governance, with reform efforts needing to cascade from federal leadership down to institutional management, frontline workers, and the general public.

“We need change not just at the top, but within organisations and even in the mindset of the average healthcare provider and citizen,” he added.

While acknowledging that the management of FMC Abuja had issued a preliminary statement and launched an internal investigation into the video, Okor noted that public sentiment remained sharply divided. He highlighted a clear contrast in reactions between the public and healthcare professionals.

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“From the healthcare providers, there’s a general feeling that the public is being too harsh,” Okor explained.

“Health workers in Nigeria operate under very difficult conditions and are often demotivated.” In contrast, he observed, “many members of the public have voiced concern over what they perceive as a lack of empathy shown by the healthcare staff involved in the incident. There seems to be this perception from the public that what they saw in the video reflected a lack of empathy.”

Dr. Okor refrained from making a definitive judgment on the video’s contents, stressing the importance of awaiting the full findings of the ongoing investigation by FMC Abuja. “I, for one, do not have any specific comment about the video because I’m waiting for the FMC Abuja management to come out with the full findings and explain things clearly,” he stated.

As the public awaits further updates, Okor urged Nigerians to utilize this moment not for finger-pointing, but to foster a constructive national dialogue on healthcare system accountability and the pivotal role of leadership in driving compassionate, patient-centered care.

VIDEO CREDITS : News Central