The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, has dismissed allegations circulating on social media that it failed to provide adequate medical care to Ms. Ifunanya Lucy Nwagene, who died from complications arising from a snake bite.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the Head of Clinical Services, Dr. Bioku Muftau, the hospital said Ms. Nwagene was brought to the facility on January 31, 2026, after sustaining a snake bite that resulted in severe neurotoxic complications.
According to the statement, medical personnel at FMC Abuja responded promptly on her arrival and administered emergency treatment.
“On presentation, the patient received immediate medical attention, including resuscitation, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and administration of polyvalent anti-snake venom,” the statement read.
The hospital management expressed sympathy to the bereaved family, describing the incident as a painful and tragic loss.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Ms. Ifunanya Lucy Nwagene and share in their grief during this difficult time,” the statement added.
FMC Abuja strongly refuted claims that anti-snake venom was unavailable or that the response by its medical staff was inadequate, insisting that such allegations are false and misleading.
“The claims of non-availability of anti-snake venom and lack of proper medical care are unfounded and do not reflect the facts of this case,” the management stated.
The hospital reaffirmed its confidence in the professionalism and dedication of its healthcare workers and reiterated its commitment to transparency, integrity, and quality patient care.
FMC Abuja also urged members of the public to seek information from credible sources and to avoid spreading unverified reports on social media.
The death of Ms. Ifunanya Lucy Nwagene has sparked widespread public interest and debate, particularly on social media, where claims emerged alleging negligence and lack of adequate care at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja.
The allegations included assertions that life-saving anti-snake venom was unavailable at the hospital at the time she was brought in for treatment.
Snake bites remain a significant public health concern in parts of Nigeria, often requiring urgent medical intervention due to the risk of severe complications, including neurotoxicity and organ failure. Victims are typically advised to seek immediate care at well-equipped health facilities to improve survival outcomes.
In this case, social media reactions intensified following reports of Ms. Nwagene’s death, prompting FMC Abuja to issue an official statement to clarify the circumstances surrounding her treatment and to counter what it described as misinformation.
The hospital’s response comes amid growing scrutiny of healthcare delivery in public medical institutions and heightened public sensitivity to cases involving alleged medical negligence, especially when they gain traction online.
