From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
The Federal government has approved four health facilities across the three senatorial zones of Benue state as Snakebite Treatment Centres, marking a significant step towards expanding access to life-saving treatment and advancing the state’s free snakebite treatment agenda under the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The approval by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare provides a framework for strengthening snakebite management and improving access to essential treatment across the state.
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.
Speaking on the development, the state Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, commended Governor Alia for his commitment to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring that citizens, particularly rural dwellers and farmers, have access to essential and affordable medical services.
Dr. Ogwuche also expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof.Ali Pate for the continued support and partnership with Benue State, noting that the federal approval demonstrates the value of collaboration between the state and federal governments in addressing critical public health challenges.
The designated centres under the Federal Neglected Tropical Diseases Envenoming Programme, are expected to receive government-procured anti-snake venom supplies, helping to reduce the financial burden of treatment on victims and supporting the implementation of the state’s free snakebite treatment initiative.
Healthcare professionals in the designated facilities will also benefit from specialised training in snakebite envenoming management to strengthen their capacity to provide timely and effective care.
The Health Commissioner noted that access to free, life-saving treatment would be particularly beneficial to farmers and rural communities, where exposure to snakebites can threaten lives, livelihoods and household incomes.
He 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 Benue State.
Dr. Ogwuche emphasised that the administration’s vision is to ensure that no citizen loses their life or suffers financial hardship because they cannot afford essential snakebite treatment.
The development reinforces the Benue State Government’s commitment to protecting lives, strengthening healthcare services and safeguarding the livelihoods of the people under the leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia.
