By Mercy Gadia
The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, has dismissed allegations circulating on social media that it failed to respond adequately to the case of a young woman who died after a snake bite, insisting that appropriate treatment was promptly administered.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the hospital said the deceased, Ms Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene, was brought to the facility on January 31, 2026, with complications arising from a snake bite, and was immediately attended to by medical personnel.
According to the centre, Ms Nwangene suffered severe neurotoxic complications linked to the bite. It stated that upon arrival, she received emergency care, including resuscitation, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen and the administration of polyvalent snake antivenom.
The hospital explained that despite efforts to stabilise her condition and prepare her for transfer to the Intensive Care Unit, she experienced a sudden deterioration shortly before the transfer could be completed.
“Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other life-saving measures were promptly initiated by the medical team, but unfortunately, all efforts to revive her proved unsuccessful,” the statement said.
The management of FMC Abuja expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, describing her death as tragic and deeply regrettable.
Reacting to claims that anti-snake venom was unavailable or that there was a delayed response, the hospital described such assertions as unfounded and a misrepresentation of events.
“The management stands by the quality of care and dedication demonstrated by its staff. Claims of non-availability of antivenom and inadequate response do not reflect the reality of the situation,” the statement added.
Signed by the Head of Clinical Services, Dr Bioku Muftau, the statement reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to transparency, professionalism and high standards of patient care, while urging the public to rely on credible sources of information rather than social media speculation.
FMC Abuja also said it remains open to further inquiries and clarification on the matter.