The Federal Government has approved four health facilities in Benue State to provide treatment for snakebite victims, with antivenom to be supplied by the government to reduce the financial burden on patients.

The Benue State Commissioner for Health, Dr Paul Ogwuche, announced the development on Tuesday in Makurdi, describing the initiative as a move to improve access to timely and affordable snakebite treatment.

The designated facilities are the General Hospital, Katsina-Ala; the University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi; the General Hospital, Gboko; and the General Hospital, Otukpo.

The centres, located across the state’s three senatorial districts, will also benefit from specialised training for healthcare workers to ensure prompt and effective management of snakebite cases.

The initiative is expected to particularly benefit farmers and residents of rural communities, who face increased exposure to snakes while working on farms and in other outdoor environments.

Displaced persons living in overcrowded camps are also considered vulnerable to snakebites, further highlighting the need for accessible emergency medical services.

According to Ogwuche, the state emergency management agency spent more than ₦160 million on the treatment of snakebite victims among displaced persons within six months, underscoring the financial implications of the problem.

The commissioner said the government-backed intervention aims to ensure that residents receive appropriate medical care without being overwhelmed by treatment costs.

He emphasised that no one should lose their life or face financial hardship because they cannot afford treatment for a snakebite.

The approval is expected to strengthen the state’s response to snakebite emergencies by improving access to antivenom, enhancing healthcare workers’ capacity and reducing the cost of treatment for vulnerable residents.