The Federal Government has moved to investigate allegations of unprofessional conduct, dereliction of duty and illegal collection of levies involving some officials of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziak Kunle Salako, disclosed this on Friday, saying his office had received several complaints and encountered media reports concerning alleged misconduct by some officials of the tertiary healthcare institution.

Salako made the disclosure at the FMC, Abeokuta, during the flag-off and distribution of emergency medical ambulances to selected health facilities in Ogun State under the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS).

The minister, who described professional and respectful patient care as a minimum expectation from any government healthcare institution, said the allegations against some FMC officials would now receive the attention of his office.

He said any individual found culpable after the investigation would face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the civil service rules.

“When patients visit or are brought to our hospital, the minimum they expect from us is professional medical care, support, clear communication and respectful treatment,” Salako said.

While acknowledging the contributions of health workers who continue to perform their duties diligently and maintain high ethical standards, the minister said the government would not overlook conduct capable of undermining public confidence in its healthcare institutions.

He said his office had been “inundated with several complaints” in recent months, while reports in the media had also raised concerns about alleged unprofessional practices, dereliction of duty and illegal collection of levies by some officials of the centre.

Salako stressed that the complaints would be comprehensively examined, with sanctions to follow where allegations were established.

The development comes as the Federal Government seeks to strengthen emergency medical services and improve public confidence in the country's healthcare delivery system.

At the event, the government handed over 13 ambulances to Ogun State, comprising three Advanced Life Support ambulances, one Basic Life Support ambulance and nine tricycle ambulances, for deployment to selected tertiary, secondary and primary healthcare facilities.

The minister said the effectiveness of the emergency medical intervention would depend not only on the availability of the vehicles but also on the integrity, professionalism and efficiency of the personnel responsible for deploying them.

He consequently urged the management of FMC Abeokuta and other beneficiary facilities to safeguard government assets and ensure that they were used strictly for their designated medical purposes.

The minister's disclosure has placed renewed focus on accountability and standards of service in federal healthcare institutions, particularly the responsibility of medical personnel and administrators to provide patients with professional care, clear communication and respectful treatment.

Salako reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to building a healthcare system that is responsive, accessible and capable of earning and retaining the confidence of Nigerians.