“Claims of non-availability of anti-snake venom are unfounded” — FMC Abuja on Nanyah’s death

The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, has responded to public criticism following the death of singer Ifunanya ‘Nanyah’ Nwangene, who died after a snake bite at her residence.

News of the incident spread across social media on Sunday, prompting debate about emergency preparedness and access to life-saving treatment in public hospitals.

Members of Nwangene’s music group, Amemuso Choir, said she sought help at two hospitals before reaching FMC and was reportedly turned away earlier due to the unavailability of anti-venom.

Sam Ezugwu, the choir’s music director, told *TheCable* that he rushed to FMC after seeing a distress message on Nwangene’s social media page. He said he found her in critical condition on arrival.

Ezugwu said medical staff informed him that two doses of anti-venom were required but only one was immediately available and had been administered. He added that a doctor later told him the venom had already spread through her system by the time she arrived at the facility.

The incident drew online reactions, including criticism from content creator Aproko Doctor, who raised concerns about shortages of essential medicines such as anti-venom in public hospitals.

In a statement, FMC Abuja said its team acted promptly and provided appropriate treatment upon Nwangene’s arrival. The hospital listed resuscitation efforts, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and administration of polyvalent snake anti-venom among the interventions carried out.

According to the hospital, medical evaluation showed that Nwangene had suffered severe neurotoxic complications from the snake bite. FMC said she deteriorated suddenly as preparations were being made to move her to the intensive care unit.

The hospital denied allegations of negligence or lack of anti-venom and urged the public to rely on verified information rather than social media speculation.