The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, has denied allegations that it failed to provide adequate care to singer Ifunanya ‘Nanyah’ Nwangene, who died from complications of a snake bite.
The news of her death, which spread rapidly on social media on Sunday, sparked public outcry, particularly over concerns about the preparedness of healthcare facilities in handling snake bites.
According to the singer’s music group, Amemuso Choir, Nwangene had sought urgent treatment at two different hospitals but was reportedly turned away due to the lack of available anti-venom.
Sam Ezugwu, the music director of Amemuso Choir, shared the details of Nwangene’s final hours.
He recounted rushing to FMC after seeing a distress post from Nwangene on social media.
Upon arrival, he found her in severe distress, and medical personnel informed him that while two doses of anti-venom were required, only one was immediately available at the hospital and had been administered.
Ezugwu acknowledged that FMC did attend to Nwangene upon her arrival but noted that delays earlier in her search for treatment might have contributed to her condition.
Later, a doctor told Ezugwu that the venom had already spread through her system by the time she reached the facility.
The singer’s death triggered a wave of criticism on social media, with several commentators, including content creator Aproko Doctor, slamming public hospitals for the frequent lack of essential, life-saving medications such as anti-venom.
In response, the management of FMC issued an official statement defending its actions.
The hospital confirmed that Nwangene received immediate care upon arrival, which included resuscitation efforts, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and the administration of “polyvalent snake antivenom.”
“Our medical staff provided immediate and appropriate treatment, including resuscitation efforts, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and the administration of polyvalent snake antivenom,” the release stated.
FMC management disclosed that Nwagene suffered severe neurotoxic complications as a result of the snake bite.
It said that after a rapid but thorough evaluation, efforts were made to stabilise her condition and prepare her for transfer to the Intensive Care Unit. However, her condition reportedly deteriorated suddenly just before the transfer.
The statement added that medical personnel carried out cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other life-saving measures but were unable to revive her.
“After a thorough but quick evaluation, it was clear that Ms Nwagene suffered severe neurotoxic complications from the snake bite.
“Despite all efforts to stabilise her condition and transfer her to the Intensive Care Unit for further treatment, she experienced a sudden deterioration just before the transfer.
“Our team of professionals worked diligently to provide CPR and other life-saving measures; however, despite these efforts, we were unable to revive her,” the statement explained.
The hospital also addressed claims circulating on social media alleging a lack of anti-snake venom and an inadequate medical response.
It described such claims as unfounded and not reflective of what occurred, insisting that appropriate medication was available and administered.
“The claims of non-availability of anti-snake venom and inadequate response are unfounded and do not reflect the reality of the situation. We are committed to transparency and integrity in our practices and will continue to pursue excellence in patient care,” FMC said.
FMC management reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and quality patient care and urged members of the public to rely on verified information rather than social media speculation.
