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The management of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, has addressed the controversy surrounding the death of singer Ifunanya ‘Nanyah’ Nwangene, following claims of medical lapses after she was bitten by a snake.
Nwangene’s death, which became public on Sunday, sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians questioning the capacity of public hospitals to respond to emergency cases involving snake bites.
According to reports from members of the Amemuso Choir, where the singer was a member, she reportedly sought urgent medical attention at more than one hospital but was allegedly denied treatment due to the absence of anti-venom before arriving at FMC.
Speaking on the incident, the choir’s music director, Sam Ezugwu, told TheCable that he rushed to FMC after seeing a distress message posted on the singer’s social media account. He said she was already in critical condition when he got to the hospital.
Ezugwu explained that doctors informed him that two doses of anti-venom were needed, but only one was immediately available and was administered. While acknowledging that FMC attended to her on arrival, he maintained that earlier delays significantly affected her chances of survival.
He added that a medical doctor later told him the venom had spread extensively through her system by the time she was brought to the facility.
The incident triggered criticism on social media, with popular health influencer Aproko Doctor faulting public hospitals over what he described as the recurring shortage of essential emergency medications such as anti-snake venom.
In response, FMC Abuja released a statement dismissing allegations of negligence and insisting that its medical team followed standard emergency procedures.
“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 hospital stated.
“Our medical staff provided immediate and appropriate treatment, including resuscitation efforts, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and the administration of polyvalent snake antivenom.”
The hospital disclosed that its assessment showed the singer had “suffered severe neurotoxic complications” from the snake bite.
“After a thorough but quick evaluation, it was clear that Ms. Nwagene suffered severe neurotoxic complications from the snake bite,” the statement said.
FMC further explained that while preparations were ongoing to move her to the intensive care unit, her condition deteriorated suddenly.
“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,” it added.
“Our team of professionals worked diligently to provide CPR and other life-saving measures; however, despite these efforts, we were unable to revive her.”
FMC strongly rejected claims that anti-venom was unavailable at the hospital, describing such reports as “unfounded”.
“The claims of non-availability of anti-snake venom and inadequate response are unfounded and do not reflect the reality of the situation,” the statement said.
The hospital urged the public to seek information from credible sources and avoid relying on unverified social media reports, reaffirming its commitment to quality healthcare delivery.
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