The management of the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, has issued a public call for individuals to utilize its SERVICOM Unit to clarify technical healthcare matters and address concerns. This appeal comes in response to widespread allegations of extortion and unethical charges circulating on social media platforms across Taraba State, as reported by The Guardian.
Official Statement from Chief Medical Director
In a statement released over the weekend, Dr. Aisha Shehu Adamu, the Chief Medical Director, informed journalists in the state that the SERVICOM Unit is specifically tasked with providing accurate information, receiving formal complaints, and ensuring the prompt and professional resolution of issues. The management emphasized that this official channel exists to guarantee that all concerns are handled with precision and integrity, thereby maintaining trust in the healthcare system.
Defense of Service-Based Consumable Packs
The hospital management defended the use of structured service-based consumable packs, such as admission packs, dressing packs, delivery kits, and procedure-specific bundles, stating that this practice is globally accepted and not an act of exploitation. According to the statement, this system is widely implemented in modern healthcare settings to enhance safety, efficiency, and accountability.
It was noted that leading tertiary institutions in Nigeria, including the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, also adopt this approach. The hospital explained that these service packs help standardize care, reduce treatment delays, and alleviate the stress on patients' relatives who might otherwise need to source medical supplies during emergencies.
Benefits and Transparency
Management further elaborated that the packs are sterile and single-use, which is essential for infection prevention, particularly for diseases like Lassa fever. The system promotes transparency by providing clearer cost expectations for patients, while also improving inventory management, reducing waste, and strengthening overall accountability within the healthcare facility.
Clarification on Procedure Charges
Regarding concerns over charges for specific procedures, the hospital clarified that services such as catheter insertion, nasogastric tube placement, and assisted feeding require skilled personnel, sterile consumables, and strict adherence to medical standards. The charges reflect the cost of delivering such services in a resource-constrained environment, the management stated.
Commitment to Fairness and Accessibility
While acknowledging the economic challenges faced by patients, the management assured that the pricing and composition of service packs are under continuous review to ensure fairness and accessibility. It urged the public to seek clarification through official channels before drawing conclusions, warning that unverified claims could erode confidence in healthcare institutions and discourage people from seeking necessary medical care.
