By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The management of the Federal Medical Centre Jalingo has stated that its service pack system is not an act of exploitation, but a structured and globally accepted approach to safe, efficient, and accountable healthcare delivery.
Responding to a social media publication alleging extortion and unethical charges within the hospital, the management explained that the use of structured service-based consumable packs—such as admission packs, dressing packs, delivery kits, and procedure-specific bundles—is a globally recognized best practice in modern healthcare delivery.
In a press statement, the management clarified that the system is not peculiar to FMC Jalingo, but is routinely applied in leading tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
“The management of Federal Medical Centre Jalingo has carefully reviewed the recent social media commentary alleging extortion and unethical charges within the hospital. We wish to clarify that the use of structured service-based consumable packs… is a globally recognized best practice in modern healthcare delivery. It is routinely applied in leading tertiary institutions across Nigeria,” the statement said.
The hospital noted that it considered the allegations necessary to respond to with clarity, facts, and professional responsibility in order to safeguard public confidence and ensure informed and constructive conversations around healthcare delivery.
“As a foremost public health institution, we consider it necessary to respond with clarity, facts, and professional responsibility in order to safeguard public confidence and ensure that conversations around healthcare delivery remain informed and constructive.
“While we respect the right of citizens to raise concerns, it is important to emphasize that matters relating to clinical systems and hospital operations require proper engagement and understanding. The hospital maintains established channels for public interface, including the SERVICOM Unit, which is specifically mandated to provide information, receive complaints, and facilitate resolution.”
The management urged individuals seeking clarification on technical healthcare issues to utilize institutional channels before drawing conclusions, especially where such commentary could create public anxiety or erode confidence in essential health services.
According to the statement, service packs are primarily introduced to ensure standardization, efficiency, safety, and accountability in healthcare delivery, with a strong focus on infection prevention and control.
“This system is not peculiar to FMC Jalingo. It is routinely applied in leading tertiary institutions across Nigeria, including Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, as well as in advanced health systems such as those under the National Health Service and major medical centres in Ghana, the United States, India, and South Africa.”
The management explained that by providing complete and pre-arranged consumables required for specific procedures, service packs eliminate the risk of omitting critical items, reduce delays, and support timely medical intervention, especially in emergencies.
“They also significantly reduce the burden on patients’ relatives, who would otherwise move from one point to another in search of items under urgent conditions. A critical component of this system is infection prevention and control.
“Service packs are sterile, sealed, and designed for single use, thereby minimizing contamination and supporting strict aseptic practices.”
It added that in the context of infectious disease outbreaks such as Lassa fever, the importance of such systems cannot be overstated, as poorly handled materials increase the risk of transmission.
The management further emphasized that service packs enhance transparency and accountability by giving patients clearer expectations of costs, reducing fragmented billing, curbing wastage, and strengthening internal audit processes.
“In addition, structured packs improve inventory management by simplifying procurement, reducing stock-outs of essential items, and preventing overstocking and expiry. They also support training and consistency in care delivery, particularly for junior staff.”
Addressing concerns about charges, the hospital clarified that procedures such as catheter insertion, nasogastric tube placement, and assisted feeding require skilled personnel, sterile consumables, and adherence to established medical protocols.
“The associated charges reflect the cost of delivering these services within a resource-constrained healthcare system and are not arbitrary impositions.
“Similarly, admission packs are designed to ensure immediate availability of essential consumables, maintain hygiene standards, and support continuity of care without delay.”
The management assured the public that it remains mindful of prevailing economic realities and that the composition and pricing of service packs are subject to continuous review to ensure fairness and alignment with its mandate of accessible healthcare.
It cautioned that commentary on sensitive healthcare matters should be guided by accuracy and responsibility, warning that narratives capable of undermining confidence in healthcare institutions may discourage people from seeking needed care.
The Centre, under the leadership of Aisha Shehu Adamu, reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality, affordable, and patient-centered care, and encouraged the public to use appropriate channels for inquiries, feedback, and complaints.
