NARD Raises Alarm over Medical Misinformation Following Singer’s Death From Snake Bite
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has expressed deep concern over what it described as widespread medical misinformation following the death of young singer Ifunaya Nwangene, popularly known as Nanyah, from complications related to a snake bite at a hospital in Abuja.
In a statement on Thursday signed by NARD President Mohammad Usman, the association condemned inaccurate claims circulating in the media, stressing that while public outrage is understandable, spreading misleading medical information poses risks to both the public and healthcare workers.
“The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has followed with deep concern the public discourse surrounding the tragic death of the young singer, Ifunaya, reportedly from complications of a snake bite at a hospital in Abuja,” the statement read.
NARD extended condolences to the singer’s family, friends, and fans, describing the loss as “painful and unacceptable.”
The association criticised comments aired on TVC Breakfast that allegedly misrepresented the standard management of snake bite victims.
NARD said such claims were medically inaccurate and could unfairly tarnish the reputation of frontline healthcare workers.
Addressing specific claims, NARD clarified that tying or constricting a snake-bitten limb is no longer recommended, noting that the method can worsen tissue injury and increase the risk of necrosis.
“Current, evidence-based guidelines strongly discourage this practice,” the association said.
The association also defended the use of intravenous fluids in snake bite management, stressing that they are “not treatment for malaria” but a critical supportive intervention for cases complicated by shock, hemotoxic effects, dehydration, or systemic involvement.
NARD reiterated that snake antivenom remains the definitive treatment for envenomation and warned that delays or unavailability could be fatal.
The statement criticised systemic failures that leave many hospitals without essential medicines, describing the situation as a longstanding issue in health financing, procurement, and supply chain management.
Highlighting the challenges faced by healthcare workers, NARD said, “Frontline healthcare workers operate daily under extremely constrained conditions, often without essential drugs, adequate equipment, or sufficient staffing, yet continue to provide care to the best of their training and ability.”
The association urged the media to engage medical experts in health reporting and called on authorities to ensure consistent access to life-saving medicines, particularly in snake-endemic areas.
It stressed that preventable deaths should prompt “constructive, informed conversations on health system reform, not sensationalism or misplaced blame.”
“If we are truly committed to preventing future tragedies, our collective focus must be on strengthening the health system and supporting those who work within it,” NARD concluded.
Earlier this week, the Nigerian Senate raised concerns about the lack of life-saving antidotes in hospitals, warning that gaps in emergency preparedness were contributing to avoidable deaths.
Lawmakers urged state governments and the Federal Capital Territory Administration to establish coordinated referral and response systems linking public and private hospitals for rapid access to critical medicines during emergencies.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
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