Patients hail commitment of health workers at FMC Jalingo

Across Taraba State, where pressure on medical facilities remains high, patients have praised the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jalingo for the dedication of its health workers and their role in restoring public confidence in the healthcare system.

Patients, who spoke with Tribune Online correspondent at the facility, explained that FMC Jalingo has become a reliable point of care for many families. From emergencies to routine visits, patients describe the hospital as a place where professionalism and compassion go hand in hand.

Patients talk about FMC Jalingo

The cry for help came through the Emergency Unit gate just before dawn. A father, exhausted after an all-night journey, carried his teenage daughter in his arms. “Please, somebody help my child!” he shouted. Within moments, nurses took over and wheeled her inside. “Her breathing was almost gone,” the father later told Tribune Online. “But within minutes, they stabilised her. I don’t know how they did it. All I know is that she is alive today because we reached FMC Jalingo.”

In the Paediatric Ward, Grace Yakubu from Ardo Kola LGA sat beside her five-month-old baby battling fever. “When I arrived here, I was shaking,” she said. “But the nurses came immediately. They treated my baby like she was their own. I have never experienced this level of care before.”

At the Outpatient Clinic, Bulus Musa, a retired civil servant waiting for his hypertension review, shared his experience. “I used to dread hospital queues,” he said. “But here, things are organised. SERVICOM even asked if I had complaints. That has never happened to me in any hospital.”

Even as Governor Agbu Kefas continues upgrading primary healthcare centres across the state, FMC Jalingo remains a central part of Taraba’s healthcare system. Despite the large number of patients, the hospital continues to deliver consistent care.

At the heart of its progress is the Medical Director, Dr. Aisha Shehu Adamu, whose leadership has driven staff welfare improvements, structural upgrades, and expanded services. “We are building a hospital where every patient, regardless of their background, feels respected and safe,” Dr. Adamu told Nigerian Tribune. “My vision is for FMC Jalingo to become a model of patient-centered care, not only in Taraba State, but across Nigeria. We work every day to improve processes and deliver the kind of care our people deserve.”

Within the hospital, the pace remains steady. Doctors move between wards, nurses respond quickly, and technicians keep essential systems running. “Some days, the number of emergencies can overwhelm even the strongest team,” said Nurse Linda Mbachiega of the Emergency Unit. “But we support each other, and management ensures we are not left alone. The new staff and welfare improvements help us stay strong.”

SERVICOM in FMC Jalingo

A major part of the hospital’s service quality is the SERVICOM unit, which ensures patients are guided, heard, and assisted. “We don’t want any patient stranded,” said Dr. Aboki Philip, head of SERVICOM. “We walk around, talk to patients, and respond immediately when there’s a problem. We are the link between the system and the people.”

“When I complained of delay last week, SERVICOM stepped in instantly,” said Mrs. Naomi Dimas, a diabetic patient confirmed the impact, adding that “They followed up until it was solved. That kind of accountability is rare in public hospitals.”

Behind the scenes, our correspondent learnt, collaboration among clinical, administrative, and support units keeps services running. “When issues come up, we don’t pass blame,” said Dr. Suleiman Kirim, head of Clinical Services. “We sit down, analyse, and solve the problem. That collaboration is one of FMC Jalingo’s biggest strengths.”

Still, SERVICOM officials note that many people don’t make use of the mechanism. “Some prefer to complain outside instead of coming to us,” said Miss Hilda Adamu of the Press and Protocol Department. “But we want them to know we are here to help them, not intimidate them.”

‘We uphold patients’ rights to dignity’ — MD

Speaking with Tribune Online, Dr. Aisha Shehu Adamu, Medical Director, Federal Medical Center Jalingo, said the hospital upholds patients’ rights to dignity, information, confidentiality, and timely care, while reminding patients to give accurate medical histories, respect staff, and keep appointments.

For her, the goal remains clear, “every policy we introduce and every facility we upgrade is about restoring trust in public healthcare. We want FMC Jalingo to be a place where excellence is not accidental but a culture.”

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