FG approves 4 Snakebite treatment Centres in Benue

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

In a bid to curb incessant snake bites in Benue State, the Federal Government has approved four health facilities across three senatorial districts of the State.

The health facilities were approved and designated as snakebite treatment centres to improve access to life-saving care and support the state government’s free snakebite treatment initiative.

The approval, granted by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is expected to strengthen snakebite management and make essential treatment more accessible to residents, particularly farmers and people living in rural communities.

The designated centres 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.

This was disclosed by the Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Paul Ejeh Ogwuche while speaking with journalists in Makurdi, Tuesday. 

Ogwuche appreciated Governor Hyacinth Alia for his commitment to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring that residents have access to affordable and essential medical services.

He further expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, for their continued support and partnership with the state.

According to him, the approval demonstrated the importance of collaboration between the federal and state governments in addressing critical public health challenges.

The commissioner explained that the designated facilities, under the Federal Neglected Tropical Diseases Envenoming Programme, are expected to receive government-procured anti-snake venom supplies to ease the financial burden on victims and support the implementation of Benue State’s free snakebite treatment initiative.

According to him, healthcare professionals at the centres are also expected to benefit from specialised training in the management of snakebite envenoming, equipping them with the skills needed to provide timely and effective treatment.

Ogwuche noted that the initiative would particularly benefit farmers and rural dwellers, who face a higher risk of snakebite exposure while working on farms and carrying out other daily activities.

He said snakebite incidents could have serious consequences for lives, livelihoods and household incomes, especially when victims are unable to afford prompt medical attention.

The commissioner reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with relevant federal agencies and health institutions to ensure that the benefits of the initiative reach communities across the state.

The commissioner noted that the state government’s objective was to prevent avoidable deaths and ensure that residents do not suffer financial hardship because they cannot afford essential snakebite treatment.

The development marks another step in the Benue State Government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare services, protect vulnerable communities and improve access to life-saving medical care under Governor Alia’s administration.