Benue gets federal nod for four snakebite centres

 …Alia targets free treatment for farmers, rural communities

By Tolu Temidire

The Benue State Government has secured federal approval for four health facilities across the state's three senatorial districts to serve as designated Snakebite Treatment Centres, paving the way for improved access to life-saving treatment and the implementation of its free snakebite treatment initiative.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, who announced the development, said the approval by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare was a major boost to Governor Hyacinth Alia's efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly in rural communities.

Ogwuche said the initiative would help protect farmers and other residents who face the risk of snakebites while carrying out their daily activities, ensuring that the cost of treatment does not prevent victims from receiving urgent medical attention.

He said: "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.

"The approval by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare provides a framework for strengthening snakebite management and improving access to treatment across the state.

"Our objective is to ensure that victims of snakebites can obtain the care they need without unnecessary delays or the fear of being unable to afford 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 commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Coordinating Minister, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, for supporting the state government's healthcare initiatives.

He said: "We appreciate the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Coordinating Minister, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, for their continued support and partnership with Benue State.

"This approval demonstrates the value of collaboration between the federal and state governments in addressing public health challenges that directly affect the lives and livelihoods of our people.

"We look forward to sustaining this partnership to ensure that the benefits of this initiative reach the people who need them most, irrespective of their location or financial circumstances."

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 state's free treatment initiative.

Medical personnel in the facilities will also benefit from specialised training to improve their capacity to manage snakebite cases and provide timely, effective treatment.

Ogwuche stressed that the intervention was particularly important to farming communities, where snakebites can cause deaths, disrupt agricultural activities and impose severe financial hardship on affected families.

He said: "Farmers and rural communities stand to benefit significantly from this initiative because they are among those most exposed to the risk of snakebites.

"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.

"By strengthening access to treatment and supporting the availability of anti-snake venom, we are taking practical steps towards protecting lives, supporting our farmers and safeguarding the livelihoods of our people."

The commissioner assured residents that the ministry would continue to collaborate with relevant federal agencies and healthcare institutions to ensure effective implementation of the initiative across the state.

He added: "Our vision is to ensure that no citizen loses their life or suffers financial hardship simply because they cannot afford essential snakebite treatment.

"We will continue to work with our federal partners and relevant health institutions to ensure that the designated centres are positioned to provide effective care and that the benefits of this initiative reach communities across the state," he added.