The Benue State Government has secured federal approval for four health facilities to operate as snakebite treatment centres, a development expected to improve access to life-saving care and strengthen its free snakebite treatment initiative.
The approval, granted by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is expected to benefit farmers and rural communities who face increased exposure to snakebites and often struggle to afford urgent medical treatment.
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 residents, particularly farmers and rural dwellers, have access to 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 support and partnership with the state.
He said the approval demonstrated the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments in addressing 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.
The arrangement is expected to reduce the financial burden on snakebite victims and support the implementation of the state government’s free treatment initiative.
Healthcare professionals at the facilities will also undergo specialised training in the management of snakebite envenoming to improve their capacity to provide prompt and effective care.
The commissioner noted that the initiative would particularly benefit farmers and rural residents, for whom snakebites pose serious threats to life, livelihoods and household incomes.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with relevant federal agencies and healthcare institutions to ensure that the programme reaches communities across the state.
Ogwuche stressed that the Alia administration was determined to prevent residents from losing their lives or suffering financial hardship because they could not afford essential snakebite treatment.
The development marks another step in the state’s efforts to strengthen healthcare services, protect vulnerable communities and safeguard the livelihoods of Benue residents.
