Management of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Keffi has refuted social media claims suggesting patients are required to provide fuel before undergoing surgical operations.
Miss Esther Bature, Head of Public Relations and Protocol Unit, dismissed the allegations in a statement issued on Friday in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Bature said the hospital recently became aware of Facebook posts alleging that patients were compelled to buy petrol whenever there was a power outage before they could be attended to. She described the claims as “untrue, malicious and misleading.”
She clarified that a recent rainstorm had damaged power lines in Keffi and surrounding areas, causing a power outage lasting over 48 hours. Despite this, she explained, the medical centre implemented contingency measures to maintain critical services.
“The hospital has a solar power system as well as petrol and diesel generators to ensure uninterrupted power in essential areas such as the theatre, radiology, and intensive care unit,” she stated.
“At no point was any patient asked to buy fuel before being attended to. Those circulating such rumours are intent on discrediting the management’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare delivery.”
She added that FMC Keffi remains committed to its mandate of providing quality medical services and encouraged the public to seek clarification directly from the facility and report genuine concerns.
“We urge well-meaning members of the public to visit the hospital, ask questions, and share their experiences with management,” she said.
(NAN)