The Benue State Government has secured federal approval for four health facilities to operate as designated snakebite treatment centres across the state’s three senatorial districts, a move expected to improve access to affordable, life-saving care.
The approval, granted by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, will strengthen the state’s free snakebite treatment programme, particularly for farmers and residents of rural communities.
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.
Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for supporting efforts to improve healthcare delivery and make essential treatment more accessible. He also thanked the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Coordinating Minister, Prof. Ali Pate, for their support.
Ogwuche said the approval highlighted the importance of collaboration between federal and state authorities 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 to help reduce treatment costs for snakebite victims.
The programme will also provide specialised training for healthcare professionals at the designated facilities to improve their capacity to manage snakebite cases and deliver timely medical care.
Ogwuche noted that snakebites pose a significant concern for farmers and rural communities, where incidents can lead to deaths, loss of livelihoods and financial difficulties for affected families.
He reaffirmed the state health ministry’s commitment to working with federal agencies and healthcare institutions to ensure residents across Benue benefit from the initiative.
The commissioner added that the Alia administration aims to ensure that residents do not lose their lives or face financial hardship because they cannot afford essential snakebite treatment.
