By Jelili Gbadamosi
The Federal Government has approved four health facilities in Benue State for the treatment of snakebite victims, in a move aimed at reducing deaths and making essential healthcare more accessible.
The approval, granted by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, will strengthen the state’s free snakebite treatment programme across its three senatorial districts.
The designated facilities are General Hospital, Katsina-Ala, in Zone A; Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, and General Hospital, Gboko, in Zone B; and General Hospital, Otukpo, in Zone C.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, disclosed the development, commending Governor Hyacinth Alia for prioritising healthcare delivery, particularly for farmers and rural dwellers.
Ogwuche also appreciated the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for supporting the initiative.
Under the Federal Neglected Tropical Diseases Envenoming Programme, the approved hospitals are expected to receive government-procured anti-snake venom to reduce treatment costs for victims.
The programme will also provide specialised training for healthcare professionals in the designated facilities to improve their capacity to manage snakebite emergencies and administer timely treatment.
The commissioner noted that snakebite incidents pose a significant threat to farmers and rural communities, often resulting in fatalities, loss of livelihoods and financial difficulties for affected families.
He said collaboration between the federal and state governments was essential to addressing the public health challenge and ensuring that victims receive appropriate medical attention.
Ogwuche reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring that no resident dies or suffers financial hardship because of an inability to afford essential snakebite treatment.
