NANNM FMC Abeokuta Unit Condemns Persistent "False" Allegations Against Hospital, Urges National Body to Intervene
The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) and Nurses Leaders at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abeokuta Unit, has called on the national leadership of the association to urgently intervene over what it described as persistent attacks and the dissemination of false and misleading information about the hospital by the Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF).
The association expressed concern that what it termed repeated and unchecked allegations against the hospital have continued for some time, emboldening the forum and its coordinator to allegedly spread unverified claims capable of tarnishing the image of the institution and its nursing workforce.
According to the association, the latest allegations regarding compulsory levies for the hospital's proposed end-of-year activities are "entirely false, misleading and without factual basis."
NANNM stated that the annual end-of-year celebration is a long-standing tradition of the nursing department, which began over 21 years ago under previous leaderships and has continued as a voluntary programme aimed at promoting unity, professional development and staff welfare.
The association explained that the week-long programme is not merely a social gathering but also features scientific lectures, professional development sessions and other activities designed to improve nursing practice and strengthen collaboration among healthcare professionals.
It challenged anyone alleging that nurses are being forced or coerced to make financial contributions to provide credible evidence in support of such claims.
"If any nurse has evidence that he or she was compelled, intimidated or forced to contribute towards the programme, such evidence should be presented through the appropriate channels instead of hiding behind bloggers and social media platforms," the statement said.
NANNM lamented that rather than utilising established internal grievance mechanisms, some individuals have allegedly resorted to making sensational allegations capable of misleading members of the public and creating unnecessary tension within the hospital.
The association also warned staff members against leaking confidential discussions and internal matters of the hospital to bloggers or unauthorised persons, stressing that such actions undermine trust, institutional harmony and professional ethics.
According to the association, disagreements or concerns relating to staff welfare should be addressed through established administrative and professional channels rather than through public campaigns that could damage the reputation of the institution.
NANNM maintained that the nursing profession is built on discipline, integrity and accountability, urging members to uphold those values in all their engagements.
The association further appealed to the national leadership of NANNM to take appropriate steps to address what it described as repeated misinformation capable of bringing the profession into disrepute.
It also urged members of the public to disregard what it termed "illegal, false and misleading information" being circulated against FMC Abeokuta and its nursing management, insisting that the hospital remains committed to maintaining high standards of healthcare delivery and staff welfare.
While reaffirming its support for constructive criticism and accountability, the association stressed that allegations should always be supported by verifiable facts and pursued through lawful and appropriate channels.
NANNM added that it would not be distracted by what it described as attempts to divert attention from the hospital's core responsibility of providing quality healthcare services, urging all stakeholders to focus on issues that advance the nursing profession and improve patient care rather than engaging in what it called unnecessary public controversies.