The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has publicly praised the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja, for initiating an investigation into allegations of staff negligence involving an accident victim. FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, highlighted the importance of prompt and adequate medical care in reducing fatalities and improving recovery outcomes for crash victims in a statement released through the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide.
The incident came to light after a good Samaritan rescued a crash victim within Abuja and transported him to FMC for emergency treatment. The Corps Marshal condemned reported instances where hospitals reject crash victims brought by FRSC operatives, emphasizing that the National Road Traffic Regulations (2024) explicitly prohibit such rejections and prescribe penalties for negligence or misconduct in handling crash victims.
“We urge healthcare providers to prioritise welfare of crash victims and uphold the highest standards of professionalism to save their lives,” Mohammed stated. He reaffirmed the FRSC’s commitment to collaborate with healthcare providers and stakeholders to enhance road safety and emergency response.
The FMC management confirmed that eight staff members, including four doctors, two nurses, and two attendants, are under investigation for alleged professional negligence. The hospital’s Head of Clinical Services, Bioku Muftau, assured that the accident victims featured in a viral video had been treated and discharged, with the patient who sustained a head injury stabilised and discharged on the day of admission.
Mohammed also commended the good Samaritan’s patriotism and urged citizens to promote safety, discipline, and professionalism to save lives on Nigerian roads. This collaborative approach aims to reduce crash fatalities to the barest minimum and improve emergency response effectiveness.