Benue snakebite treatment centres have received federal approval, allowing four health facilities across the state’s three senatorial districts to provide treatment under the government’s free snakebite treatment programme.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare approved the facilities to improve access to treatment for snakebite victims, particularly farmers and rural residents.
The designated hospitals 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.
Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for supporting efforts to improve healthcare access.
Ogwuche also thanked the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, for supporting the programme.
He said cooperation between federal and state governments remained important in addressing public health challenges.
Under the Federal Neglected Tropical Diseases Envenoming Programme, the selected hospitals are expected to receive government-procured anti-snake venom.
The supply is intended to reduce treatment costs for snakebite victims and improve access to essential medical care. Snakebites pose a health risk in farming communities, where residents may encounter snakes while working on farms or travelling through rural areas.
The approval means the four designated facilities are expected to play a role in expanding access to snakebite treatment across Benue State.
However, the announcement did not specify when the hospitals would begin receiving the anti-snake venom supplies or provide details of the quantities allocated to each facility.
The state government’s free snakebite treatment programme is aimed at making treatment more accessible to affected residents.
Benue snakebite treatment centres, supported by the federal programme, are expected to help reduce the financial burden on victims who need urgent medical attention.
