The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Abuja has addressed the controversy trailing the death of singer Ifunanya ‘Nanyah’ Nwangene.
The singer passed away after being bitten by a snake at her
residence.
News of her death spread widely on social media on Sunday,
sparking public outcry and debate over healthcare preparedness.
According to accounts from her music group Amemuso Choir,
Nwangene had urgently sought treatment at two different hospitals but was
reportedly turned away due to a lack of available anti-venom.
Sam Ezugwu, the music director of Amemuso Choir, detailed
the final hours to TheCable.
He stated that he rushed to FMC after seeing a distress post
on Nwangene’s social media. Upon arrival, he found her in severe distress.
He said 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 attended to her upon arrival
but noted critical delays earlier in the search for treatment.
He relayed that a doctor later told him the snake’s venom
had already spread through her system by the time she reached their facility.
Following her death, social media criticism surged.
Content creator Aproko Doctor was among those who criticised
public hospitals for frequently lacking essential, life-saving medications like
anti-venom.
In its official response, the FMC management defended its
actions, stating that its staff provided immediate and comprehensive care.
The hospital confirmed that treatment included resuscitation
efforts, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and the administration of
“polyvalent snake antivenom”.
The statement disclosed that the hospital’s evaluation found
that Nwangene had “suffered severe neurotoxic complications” from the bite.
It added that as preparations were being made to admit her
to the intensive care unit (ICU), she “developed a sudden deterioration”.
“We want to clarify that the management team at Federal
Medical Centre, Abuja acted promptly and with the utmost care upon Ms.
Nwagene’s arrival,” the statement reads.
“Our medical staff provided immediate and appropriate
treatment, including resuscitation efforts, intravenous fluids, intranasal
oxygen, and the administration of polyvalent snake antivenom.
“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.”
The FMC denied allegations of negligence or a lack of
anti-venom, calling such claims “unfounded”.
“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,” it added.
“We are committed to transparency and integrity in our
practices and will continue to pursue excellence in patient care.
“In light of these events, we encourage our community to
engage with credible sources for information and updates rather than relying on
social media speculation. We remain available for any further inquiries or
clarifications.”
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