FMC Jalingo Debunks Extortion Claims, Explains Service Pack Charge

The management of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo, has responded to recent social media allegations of extortion and unethical charges within the hospital, describing the claims as misleading and lacking proper understanding of clinical operations.

In a statement issued by the management, the hospital emphasized the need for accurate and informed engagement on healthcare matters, noting that established channels such as the SERVICOM Unit exist to receive complaints, provide information, and ensure prompt resolution of issues.

The management urged members of the public to utilize these official platforms before drawing conclusions, warning that unverified claims could create unnecessary panic and erode confidence in essential health services.

Addressing concerns over its service pack system, FMC Jalingo explained that the use of structured consumable packs—including admission packs, dressing packs, delivery kits, and procedure-specific bundles—is a globally accepted practice in modern healthcare.

According to the statement, the system is widely used in major tertiary institutions across Nigeria, including Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, and the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, as well as in international health systems.

The hospital noted that service packs are designed to ensure standardization, efficiency, safety, and accountability in patient care by providing pre-arranged consumables required for specific procedures.

"Service packs eliminate delays in sourcing materials, reduce the burden on patients' relatives, and ensure timely medical intervention, especially in emergency situations," the statement said.

It added that the packs also play a critical role in infection prevention and control, as they are sterile, sealed, and meant for single use, thereby reducing the risk of contamination and transmission of infectious diseases such as Lassa fever.

The management further explained that the system enhances transparency in billing by bundling consumables into clearly defined packages, helping patients understand the costs involved while reducing wastage and strengthening internal audit processes.

On charges associated with certain medical procedures, the hospital clarified that interventions such as catheter insertion, nasogastric tube placement, and assisted feeding require skilled personnel, sterile materials, and adherence to medical protocols.

It stated that the fees reflect the cost of delivering these services within a resource-constrained system and are not arbitrary.

Similarly, admission packs were described as essential for ensuring immediate availability of basic consumables and maintaining hygiene standards necessary for patient care.

The management assured the public that the composition and pricing of these packs are subject to regular review to ensure fairness, transparency, and affordability.

While encouraging public engagement, the hospital cautioned against spreading unverified information, stressing that such narratives could discourage people from seeking medical care.

FMC Jalingo reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality, affordable, and patient-centered healthcare under the leadership of its Medical Director, Dr. Aisha Shehu Adamu, and urged residents to channel inquiries and complaints through appropriate institutional platforms.