By John Moses
A leading Nigerian neurosurgeon has said that a widely circulated video of an incident at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Abuja should prompt urgent national dialogue and reforms within the country’s healthcare sector.
Dr Douglas Okor, a consultant neurosurgeon and advocate for health system reform, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the video, which has stirred mixed reactions across the country, offers a rare opportunity to examine deeper issues surrounding governance, leadership, and compassion in medical services.
“While the video may be sensational in nature, I hope it serves as a turning point for serious reflection,” said Okor. “We need transformational leaders—especially those in public office—who understand that healthcare is not just a service but a socio-political responsibility.”
He stressed that a truly effective healthcare system must be underpinned by leadership reforms at every level—from government and institutional management to individual health workers and the broader public mindset.
The incident captured in the video has divided opinion. Some healthcare professionals argue that the criticism is unfair, given the challenging environment in which they work. Meanwhile, many citizens have voiced disappointment at what they see as a lack of empathy from staff involved.
“There is a prevailing sentiment among health professionals that they are being unjustly vilified,” Okor explained. “But from the public’s perspective, the video confirmed longstanding concerns about indifferent or poor treatment.”
The management of FMC Abuja has launched an internal investigation and issued a preliminary statement. However, Okor cautioned against drawing conclusions prematurely and urged the public to await the outcome of the probe.
Rather than assign blame, he encouraged Nigerians to treat the episode as a catalyst for deeper reforms and for advancing a healthcare system that prioritises accountability, empathy, and patient-centred care.
