Ogun FMC denies imposing fees on nurses

The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Abeokuta has refuted claims that nurses and other staff members were compelled to make financial contributions towards the Nursing Services Department's annual end-of-year activities. Mrs. Abosede Fagoyinbo, the Head of Nursing Services at FMC Abeokuta, addressed the allegations in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, asserting that participation and financial contributions have always been voluntary.

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Speaking in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, Fagoyinbo said the annual end-of-the-year scientific lecture and related activities had always been voluntary and were never intended to compel financial contributions from members of staff.

Fagoyinbo explained that the annual scientific lecture and related events, scheduled from December 15 to December 20, are a long-standing professional tradition spanning more than two decades. She emphasized that the program's core objectives include promoting professional development, enhancing staff welfare, fostering thanksgiving, encouraging bonding, and engaging in community service. She stressed that no staff member is obligated to participate or contribute financially.

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The end-of-the-year programme has over the years featured scientific lectures, health outreach activities, social responsibility projects, funfair, thanksgiving services and appreciation events aimed at strengthening teamwork and professional relationships among staff.

"The end-of-the-year programme has over the years featured scientific lectures, health outreach activities, social responsibility projects, funfair, thanksgiving services and appreciation events aimed at strengthening teamwork and professional relationships among staff," Fagoyinbo stated. She reiterated that the program has historically been sustained through the voluntary participation and collective contributions of interested members within the Nursing Services Department.

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The programme has historically been sustained through the voluntary participation and collective contributions of interested members of the Nursing Services Department.

Fagoyinbo assured that staff members who choose not to participate in the activities are free to do so without facing any form of intimidation or victimization. While acknowledging that disagreements can arise in large organizations, she advised aggrieved staff members to utilize established internal grievance channels rather than escalating workplace disputes through social media or public platforms. She also urged that allegations against staff or management should undergo proper investigation before being presented as public facts.

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She stressed that no nurse was compelled to participate, adding that those who chose not to be part of the activities had always been free to do so without intimidation or victimisation.