FMC Jalingo refutes reports of severe drug shortage By Justin Tyopuusu,Jalingo

The management of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jalingo on Tuesday dismissed recent media reports alleging a severe drug shortage at the hospital.

In a press statement issued in Jalingo by the hospital’s management and singed by Haruna Abubakar of the Press and Protocol department, the hospital reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring drug availability and quality healthcare services.

According to the statement, while there have been supply chain challenges, the situation was not as critical as portrayed in some section of the media.

“When this administration took over nearly five years ago, we inherited a significant debt related to drug supplies. Since then, we have remained proactive in settling outstanding payments to ensure uninterrupted drug availability for our patients.

“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,” the statement read.

The hospital also reassured the public that it maintains a strong working relationship with pharmaceutical vendors, despite alleged attempts to undermine its efforts and that the hospital was actively engaging with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to enhance access to medications for enrollees.

“We are fully operational, with essential medications available. We want to members of the public, journalists, and stakeholders to visit the hospital’s pharmacy and wards, including the Accident and Emergency unit, to independently verify the facts.”

While acknowledging that no hospital globally can guarantee the availability of all drugs at all times, the management assured patients that necessary medications are stocked and, where unavailable, patients are advised to source them externally which is a standard practice worldwide.

“FMC Jalingo is not in the business of providing free drugs but remains committed to ensuring affordable and accessible medications for all patients. NHIS enrollees continue to receive prescribed drugs within the coverage framework, and we take pride in maintaining the highest standards of medical service delivery,” the statement added.

The hospital management urged the public to be cautious of sensationalized reports that do not reflect the true situation at FMC Jalingo, stressing that its top priority remains the well-being of patients.