The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched an investigation into the death of a corps member, Etimbuk Daniel, at the Awgu Orientation Camp in Enugu State, following allegations that substandard or falsified medicines may have been involved.
The agency disclosed that samples of drugs administered to the deceased had been collected for laboratory testing, cautioning against premature conclusions until the investigation establishes the circumstances surrounding his death.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NAFDAC said preliminary findings indicated that Daniel was taken to the camp clinic on Wednesday, October 7, after exhibiting symptoms associated with severe malaria. He was also reportedly living with peptic ulcer disease.
According to the agency, medical personnel treated and stabilised him before discharging him the following morning with oral medications.
However, Daniel returned to the clinic on Saturday, October 10, complaining of pain in his right thigh. The attending doctor reportedly observed that he was sweating excessively and had low blood pressure.
NAFDAC said he was subsequently placed on intravenous fluids, but his condition remained unstable, with recurring episodes of low blood pressure and reduced urine output.
As his health deteriorated, he was referred to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, where he reportedly slipped into a coma. Attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
The agency stated that the preliminary clinical assessment pointed to acute kidney injury resulting from severe dehydration and shock as the suspected cause of death.
It, however, emphasised that the initial findings had not established any connection between the medications administered to Daniel and his death.
As part of its investigation, NAFDAC said its officials had visited the camp clinic, questioned the medical personnel involved in his treatment and other staff members, and obtained drug samples for laboratory analysis.
The agency added that further regulatory action would be determined by the outcome of the investigation.
NAFDAC expressed condolences to Daniel’s family over the loss, urging the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to run its course.
It reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that medicines distributed and used in Nigeria meet the required standards of safety, quality and efficacy.
