From Godwin Agia, in Jalingo
The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jalingo has dismissed reports of a severe drug shortage at the hospital, describing the claims as sensationalized and misleading.
A statement released by Mr. Haruna Abubakar of the Press and Protocol Department, showed that the hospital’s management, FMC Jalingo acknowledged some supply chain challenges but emphasized that essential medications are available and the hospital remains fully operational.
The hospital attributed the challenges to inherited debt related to drug supplies, which it has been proactively addressing since the current administration took over nearly five years ago.
The statement explained that FMC Jalingo reassured the public of its commitment to providing affordable and accessible medications to all patients, with National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) enrollees receiving prescribed drugs within the coverage framework.
“The attention of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jalingo has been drawn to recent media reports alleging a severe drug shortage at the hospital. While we acknowledge that there have been some supply chain challenges, the situation is not as dire as portrayed in certain publications.
“FMC Jalingo has a strong working relationship with its pharmaceutical vendors, despite efforts by certain elements to sabotage our progress.
“The hospital management is actively engaging with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to streamline access to medications for enrollees. Our budget has been submitted to the Federal Ministry of Finance, and we anticipate a resolution to these challenges by the end of March 2025.
“FMC Jalingo remains fully operational, and essential medications are available. We invite members of the public, journalists, and stakeholders to visit our pharmacy and wards, including the Accident and Emergency unit, to verify the facts firsthand”, statement said.
