By Chiamaka Egwu
The Federal Government has approved four health facilities in Benue State as designated snakebite treatment centres, a move expected to improve access to affordable, life-saving care, particularly for farmers and rural communities.
The Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, disclosed this, describing the approval by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare as a significant step towards strengthening snakebite management and expanding the state’s free snakebite treatment initiative.
He said the initiative aligned with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring that snakebite victims receive prompt treatment without the burden of unaffordable medical costs.
“This is a significant step towards expanding access to life-saving snakebite treatment in Benue State. It demonstrates the commitment of Governor Hyacinth Alia to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring that our people, particularly farmers and rural dwellers, have access to essential and affordable medical services,” Ogwuche said.
The approved 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.
Under the Federal Neglected Tropical Diseases Envenoming Programme, the centres are expected to receive government-procured anti-snake venom supplies to help reduce treatment costs and support the state’s free snakebite treatment programme.
Healthcare professionals at the designated facilities will also receive specialised training in snakebite management to strengthen their capacity to provide timely and effective treatment.
Ogwuche said the intervention would particularly benefit farmers and rural residents, who face significant exposure to snakebites and often encounter financial barriers to accessing emergency care.
“Beyond the immediate danger to life, snakebite incidents can affect livelihoods, disrupt agricultural activities and impose serious financial burdens on families, particularly when the cost of treatment is beyond their means,” he said.
The commissioner noted that improving access to anti-snake venom and specialised care would help protect lives, support agricultural activities and reduce the financial hardship associated with snakebite incidents.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, for supporting the initiative and strengthening collaboration between the federal and state governments.
According to him, the partnership would help ensure that people across Benue State, regardless of their location or financial circumstances, benefit from improved snakebite care.
“Our vision is to ensure that no citizen loses their life or suffers financial hardship simply because they cannot afford essential snakebite treatment,” Ogwuche said.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working with federal agencies and healthcare institutions to ensure that the designated centres are equipped to deliver effective care and that the benefits of the programme reach communities across the state.
