Drugs Shortage Hits FMC Jalingo

• Vendors Halt Supply Over Unpaid Debts

• NHIS Enrollees Threaten to Quit Services from FMC Jalingo

The Federal Medical Center (FMC) Jalingo is currently grappling with a critical shortage of essential drugs, leaving many patients to source medications from other locations, including Yola, Markudi, and Abuja.

Sources close to the situation revealed to Taraba Truth and Fact that a number of the hospital's drug suppliers have halted their deliveries due to unpaid debts. As a result, patients are facing significant challenges in accessing essential medications.

One patient shared their frustration, saying, "You know, there's a confidence that comes with buying drugs from the hospital. At least you're sure of their quality and can get them quickly." However, this sense of assurance is now absent, with many patients left to find alternative sources for the drugs they need.

Another patient, visibly distressed, explained that they often struggle to find the medications prescribed by their doctors. "Sometimes, we have to order the drugs from Yola, Markudi, or even Abuja. The lack of essential drugs is really putting a strain on us," they said.

The shortage is also affecting enrollees in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Many NHIS beneficiaries have expressed dissatisfaction with the situation, stating that despite regular deductions from their salaries, they are unable to access the required treatments at FMC Jalingo. Some have even threatened to leave the hospital and seek care elsewhere.

A federal government employee, speaking anonymously, expressed their frustration: "FMC Jalingo has doctors who can perform operations very well. My wife recently had surgery there, and everything went well, but the drugs available in the hospital were only basic ones, like Panadol. Drugs that cost over N200, such as those needed for proper post-surgery care, are not available."

Dr. Aisha Adamu, the Medical Director of FMC Jalingo, confirmed the ongoing shortage and acknowledged the severity of the issue. "We are aware of the situation, and it's been a deep challenge for us," Dr. Adamu said in a phone conversation with newsmen "When I took over the hospital, we inherited a huge debt related to drug supplies. We've been making payments to ensure continued supply, but the situation is still critical."

Dr. Adamu emphasized that the hospital management is actively working to resolve the crisis. "We've engaged the NHIS in discussions about overcoming these challenges, and we've submitted our budget to the Ministry of Finance. We are hopeful that funds will soon be released to equip our pharmacy with the necessary drugs," she added.