The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, on Wednesday ushered in the new year with its annual Patients Appreciation Day, brightening the lives of 230 patients with thoughtful gifts and a promise of enhanced services in the coming year.
Instituted by Prof. Saad Ahmed, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), now in its fourth year, the annual event celebrated the hospital’s first baby of the year and over 230 patients, while reaffirming FMC’s commitment to exceptional healthcare with plans to introduce kidney transplant services and catheterization laboratory (cat lab) facilities.
The Head of Clinical Services at FMC Abuja, Muftau Bioku Jimoh, described the occasion as a gesture of gratitude towards patients who have placed unwavering faith in the hospital’s services.
“This day is about appreciating our patients for staying with us throughout the past year. It’s also an opportunity to receive feedback on areas where we can improve while celebrating milestones like the first baby of the year,” Jimoh said.
The celebration saw the distribution of gifts to patients, which included sanitary towels, children’s toys, kitchen items for women, shoes, hats, and blankets, among others.
Organized by the Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with hospital management and development partners, Jimoh stressed that the event underscores the hospital’s emphasis on holistic patient care.
Jimoh acknowledged ongoing challenges, including staff shortages due to brain drain, a national issue affecting healthcare delivery.
However, he reassured stakeholders of imminent improvements, noting that the Management of the hospital is already tackling staff shortages and brain drain challenges.
“In the coming weeks, we will onboard additional staff across various specialties, including nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and physiotherapists. This will ease the workload on our current team and enhance service delivery,” he said.
Revealing that exciting new services would be unveiled by the hospital in 2025, he said
FMC Abuja plans to expand its cutting-edge medical offerings this year are underway.
“We already perform open-heart surgeries, spine surgeries, and laser treatments.
“In 2025, we will introduce kidney transplant services and catheterization laboratory (cat lab) facilities,” Jimoh revealed.
Furthermore, he said the hospital aims to upgrade its electronic medical record (EMR) system, advance research capabilities, and enhance training programs for healthcare professionals.
The Head of the Department, Assistant Chief Medical Social Welfare Officer Erdoo Iorfa, highlighted the hospital’s commitment to addressing patients’ psychosocial needs alongside medical treatment and said holistic patient care is at the core of the hospital’s vision.
“We prioritize holistic care, ensuring patients feel supported beyond their diagnoses. Our indigent fund and collaboration with donors, NGOs, and philanthropic organizations help us cater to the less privileged,” Iorfa said.
While using the Patients Appreciation Day as a call to action for the public, Iorfa said, “We urge individuals, organizations, and religious bodies to partner with us in supporting indigent patients.
“With transparent systems in place, every contribution directly benefits those in need”.
Reflecting on her experience at the hospital, Peace Emmanuel, a mother of three who recently gave birth to her second child at FMC, described the hospital as a source of peace of mind.
“The service here has been awesome. The doctors and nurses are calm and gentle and talk to me calmly.
“I actually left another hospital to come here, and I have no regrets. It’s the best place to be,” she said, highlighting the professionalism and kindness of the staff.
Another patient, Adeola Ewedairo, who has relied on FMC since 2018 for her family’s healthcare, spoke highly of the hospital’s environment and services.
“Even though it’s not pleasant to be in a hospital, I always feel safe here. The nurses and doctors ensure adequate care, and there are no regrets,” she shared.
Ewedairo, however, pointed out the need for improved communication, citing understaffing as a challenge.
“Sometimes, they prioritize emergencies, which is understandable, but more hands would ensure no patient feels unattended to,” she suggested.
For retired senior banker, Bashir Ardo from Katsina, FMC was a lifeline during a critical health crisis.
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Ardo, who underwent multiple surgeries for hernia and prostate issues, described his initial despair and subsequent recovery.
“When I was referred here, I thought I wouldn’t survive. But the care I received changed everything. Today, I feel healthier and stronger,” he said, expressing gratitude to the hospital’s management and staff.
Hafsat Bello, the mother of the hospital’s first baby of the year, reflected on her experience with gratitude.
“Alhamdulillah. The services were excellent, and the staff treated me very well,” she said after delivering her baby at 5:40 a.m.
All the patients expressed gratitude for the care they received and applauded the hospital’s thoughtful gesture, further acknowledging FMC Abuja’s reputation for delivering quality healthcare.
