A government-run medical facility in Abuja has refuted accusations of mishandling the case of a young singer who succumbed to a venomous snakebite, insisting that staff administered antivenom and other interventions in a bid to save her life.
Ifunanya Nwagene, a 26-year-old soprano and former The Voice contestant, known artistically as Nanyah and affiliated with the Amemuso Choir, died on Saturday at the Federal Medical Centre in Abuja, prompting online claims of negligence and shortages of critical drugs.
In a statement released Sunday evening, the hospital extended sympathies to her kin, saying: “The loss of a loved one is never easy, and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”
It detailed the response: “Our medical staff provided immediate and appropriate treatment, including resuscitation efforts, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and the administration of polyvalent snake antivenom.”
The facility explained that Nwagene exhibited “severe neurotoxic complications” from the bite, and despite preparations to move her to intensive care, her condition worsened abruptly.
“After a thorough but quick evaluation, it was clear that Ms Nwagene suffered severe neurotoxic complications from the snake bite,” the statement read. “Despite all efforts to stabilise her condition and transfer her to the Intensive Care Unit for further treatment, she experienced a sudden deterioration just before the transfer. Our team of professionals worked diligently to provide CPR and other life-saving measures; however, despite these efforts, we were unable to revive her.”
Dismissing social media allegations of antivenom unavailability and subpar care, the hospital asserted: “The claims of non-availability of anti-snake venom and inadequate response are unfounded and do not reflect the reality of the situation. We are committed to transparency and integrity in our practices and will continue to pursue excellence in patient care.”
The Amemuso Choir announced her passing earlier Sunday via a Facebook post signed by music director Sam Ezugwu, lamenting the blow to Abuja’s burgeoning arts community.
“A rising star, Ifunanya was on the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world. Her voice and spirit will be deeply missed,” the choir said, adding that funeral details would follow.
