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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Benue State Government has received 100 vials of Panaf Premium Anti-Snake Venom, ASV, valued at over N25 million from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to support the treatment of snakebite victims across the state.
The intervention comes against the backdrop of concerns over snakebite cases in Benue and the high cost of Anti-Snake Venom, which often places a significant financial burden on affected families.
The donation is part of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s broader efforts to reduce illness and deaths associated with snakebite across the country.
The consignment was formally presented on Friday at the headquarters of the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services in Makurdi.
Presenting the items, the Honourable Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, said the intervention reflects the proactive leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia, and the commitment of the State Ministry of Health and Human Services to leveraging strategic partnerships to address critical health challenges.
Ogwuche commended Governor Alia for his sustained commitment to improving healthcare delivery and protecting the lives and wellbeing of the people of Benue State.
He also expressed appreciation to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Aliu Pate for responding positively to the state’s request for support.
The Commissioner said the intervention will complement the efforts of the Alia administration to make essential healthcare services more accessible, particularly to vulnerable residents.
He noted that the availability of the Anti-Snake Venom would reduce the financial burden on affected families and improve access to prompt treatment for victims of snakebite.
Dr. Ogwuche assured that the Ministry would ensure proper documentation, storage, distribution and rational utilization of the consignment to guarantee that the lifesaving medicine reaches patients who genuinely require it.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the Ministry, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Cephas Hough, expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for the timely intervention saying the donation would strengthen the state’s capacity to respond to snakebite cases while easing the treatment burden on affected residents.
Hough particularly commended the Dr Ogwuche for his proactive engagement with the Federal Ministry, which facilitated the attraction of the donation to Benue State.
He noted that the intervention underscores the value of sustained collaboration between the Federal and State Governments in addressing critical public health challenges.
The consignment was subsequently handed over to the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Regina Agir, for documentation, storage and warehousing in accordance with established pharmaceutical management procedures.
