The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abuja has dismissed claims circulating on social media that it failed to provide timely care and anti-snake venom to a young woman who died after a snake bite, insisting that all necessary medical interventions were promptly administered before her death.
The hospital, in a press statement signed by the Head of Clinical Services, Dr. Bioku Muftau on Sunday in Abuja, said the deceased, Ms. Ifunanya Lucy Nwagene, died from severe neurotoxic complications arising from a snake bite she sustained on January 31, 2026, and not from negligence or lack of medical supplies.
According to the statement, Ms. Nwagene was immediately attended to on arrival at the facility, where a team of medical professionals commenced resuscitation measures, administered intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and polyvalent anti-snake venom in line with standard emergency protocols.
The statement partly reads: “After a thorough but quick evaluation, it was clear that Ms. Nwagene suffered severe neurotoxic complications from the snake bite.
“Despite all efforts to stabilize 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.”
Reacting to allegations of anti-venom unavailability and delayed response, the hospital described such claims as “unfounded and misleading,” stressing that they do not reflect the true sequence of events or the level of care provided.
“We stand by the quality of care and dedication our team demonstrates daily. 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.”
While expressing deep condolences to the family of the deceased, the management urged the public to rely on verified information from credible sources and avoid social media speculation capable of causing unnecessary distress and misinformation.
The hospital reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and quality healthcare delivery, adding that it remains open to further engagement and clarification on the matter.
