Benue Secures Federal Approval For Four Snakebite Treatment Centres

Benue State has secured federal approval for four health facilities across its three senatorial districts to serve as Snakebite Treatment Centres, a move expected to improve access to life-saving treatment and advance the state government’s free snakebite treatment initiative.

The approval, granted by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, will strengthen snakebite management and expand access to essential treatment, particularly for farmers and rural communities vulnerable to snakebite incidents.

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, commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his commitment to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring that citizens, especially rural dwellers and farmers, have access to affordable and essential medical services.

Ogwuche also appreciated the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, for their continued support and partnership with the state.

He said the approval underscored the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments in tackling critical public health challenges.

Under the Federal Neglected Tropical Diseases Envenoming Programme, the designated centres are expected to receive government-procured anti-snake venom supplies, reducing the financial burden on victims and supporting the implementation of Benue’s free snakebite treatment initiative.

Healthcare professionals at the facilities will also undergo specialised training in snakebite envenoming management to improve their capacity to provide timely and effective treatment.

The commissioner noted that the initiative would particularly benefit farmers and rural residents, for whom snakebites pose serious threats to lives, livelihoods and household incomes.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with relevant federal agencies and healthcare institutions to ensure that the benefits of the programme reach communities across the state.

Ogwuche stressed that the Alia administration was determined to ensure that no citizen loses their life or suffers financial hardship because of an inability to afford essential snakebite treatment.

The development marks a significant step in the state government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare services, protect vulnerable communities, and safeguard the livelihoods of Benue residents.

Tor Vande-Acka is a correspondent with Independent Newspapers.

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