Anti-snake venoms available for free, Plateau govt assures

by Blessing Odega

Contrary to speculations, the Plateau Government has affirmed that it has a deliberate, well-coordinated supply chain of Echitab Anti-Snake Venom stocked in strategic hospitals, general hospitals, and treatment centres across the state.

Mr Kim Bot, Executive Secretary (ES), Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency (PS-DMCMA) said this in a statement on Monday in Jos.

He said the Echitab Polyvalent Anti-Snake Venom (ASV) are available free of charge to those who need it to ensure that every victim, whether in a remote village or an urban centre, could receive accessible lifesaving treatment without incurring financial burden.

The EC added that health workers have been instructed to administer it immediately when diagnosed, and no patient should be asked to pay for it, not even a naira.

Bot, a pharmacist, said snakebite is a medical emergency, and as such, no life would be lost due to lack of access, cost, or delay in getting the antivenom in Plateau.

According to him, a deliberate, well-coordinated supply chain of Echitab Anti-Snake Venom had been done, and the ASV was stocked in strategic hospitals, general hospitals, and treatment centres.

“We assure the public that adequate quantities of Echitab ASV are in stock and distribution is ongoing in the 17 local government areas (LGAs) and at all designated treatment centres.

“Health workers have been instructed to administer it immediately when diagnosed, and no patient should be asked to pay for it, not even a naira.

“Any health facility, staff, or individual found withholding, diverting, or charging for this life-saving drug will be dealt with decisively,“ he cautioned.

The ES commended Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his humane intervention in procuring Echitab Anti-Snake Venom and making it completely free of charge.

He said the gesture by the governor would save hundreds of lives and reduce the spate of disability and suffering of victims of snakebite and also restore confidence in the public health care system.

The statement was issued in obvious response to claim that there is no anti-snake venom in Nigeria following death of Abuja singer, Ms Ifunanya Nwagene after snake bite.

There have been claims on social-media alleging negligence and non-availability of anti-snake venom in the case of Nwagene died on Jan. 31, after suffering severe complications from a snake bite at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC).

But the Head of Clinical Services, Dr Bioku Muftau, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, dismissed the claim.

He said the management team at FMC Abuja acted promptly and with the utmost care upon Nwagene’s arrival.

“Our medical staff provided immediate and appropriate treatment, including resuscitation efforts, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and the administration of polyvalent snake antivenom.”

He, however, said that after a thorough but quick evaluation, it was clear that Nwagene suffered severe neurotoxic complications from the snake bite.

“Our team of professionals worked diligently to provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and other life-saving measures; however, in spite of these efforts, we were unable to revive her.”

Muftau, however, expressed the hospital’s condolences to the family.

“We express our deepest condolences to the Nwagene family during this incredibly difficult time.”

He described allegations circulating online as incorrect.

“The claims of non-availability of anti-snake venom and inadequate response are unfounded and do not reflect the reality of the situation.”

”The hospital urged members of the public to rely on credible sources for updates rather than social-media speculation.

”The staff remain committed to transparency, integrity and excellence in patient care.

”FMC Abuja remains available for further inquiries or clarifications,” he said.

(NAN)