Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Keffi has refuted allegations circulating on social media that patients are required to buy fuel before undergoing operations.

In a statement signed by Miss Esther Bature, Head of Public Relations and Protocol Unit at the medical centre, and released in Keffi, Nasarawa State, on Friday, the claims were described as untrue, malicious, and misleading.

Esther explained that a recent rainstorm in Keffi and its environs disrupted the power supply, damaging several electric poles. Despite this, FMC Keffi activated its contingency power plans and never mandated patients to purchase fuel before receiving medical care.

“Power was disrupted for more than 48 hours due to the storm, and the centre was not exempt. However, the hospital relies on solar panels, petrol, and diesel generators to supplement public power supply in critical areas such as the theatre, radiology, and Intensive Care Unit,” she said.

“At no time was any patient asked to buy fuel before being attended to. Those spreading such rumours appear intent on discrediting the efforts of the current management to improve healthcare delivery at the centre.”

Esther further emphasized that the medical centre remains committed to providing excellent healthcare services and encouraged the public, especially friends of the hospital, to visit the facility, ask questions for clarity, and report their experiences directly to management.