The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reassured the residents of Abuja that sufficient supplies of antivenom are now available across all FCTA-owned hospitals and public health centers.
This reassurance comes shortly after the tragic death of singer Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene, which sparked widespread anger and claims of medical negligence. Reports indicated that during her attempts to obtain antivenom at two hospitals in the FCT, she was turned away due to the absence of the required medication.
In an official statement, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, urged residents to remain calm, emphasizing that the territory has ample supplies of both polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms, all stored under rigorous quality control measures.
Dr. Fasawe pointed out that various types of anti-snake venom are readily accessible at all health facilities managed by the FCTA.
He explained, “The decisions on what to stock are made in partnership with veterinary professionals who assist in identifying the snake species that are most commonly encountered in the FCT. In accordance with this, both polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms are kept centrally at the Abuja Central Medical Stores, which are directly overseen by our Secretariat to ensure their integrity, quality, and constant availability.”
While extending condolences to the family of the young singer, the Mandate Secretary remarked that this incident should act as a catalyst for improving emergency response and raising public cognizance about snake bites.
“The loss of such a promising young individual is truly heart-wrenching. I stand in solidarity with the family during this difficult time and emphasize that these kinds of preventable medical fatalities should be taken seriously, necessitating the implementation of stronger strategies to avert future occurrences,” he added.
The FCTA Secretary classified snakebites as a preventable public health crisis, cautioning that venomous snakes, including cobras, vipers, and puff adders, are prevalent in both urban and peri-urban regions within the FCT.
“Snakebites should always be viewed as a serious health emergency that can largely be prevented. Snakes make their habitats in rainforests, grasslands, farms, and arid regions and often conceal themselves near human settlements in search of food or shelter, heightening the chances of encounters with humans. In Nigeria, we have several highly venomous snake species like cobras, vipers, and puff adders. It’s critical that all snakebites are treated as potentially venomous until a definitive assessment proves otherwise,” he stated.
Dr. Fasawe also took the opportunity to provide residents with a detailed guideline on actions to take immediately following a snakebite.
“All residents in the FCT are encouraged to adopt preventive practices, such as wearing protective attire in farms or tall grass, avoiding dark spaces or using torches at night, clearing waste around residences, sealing off points of entry, and refraining from handling snakes.
In the event of a snakebite, first aid should involve keeping calm, immobilizing the affected limb below heart level, removing any constricting items, gently cleaning the injury, and seeking immediate medical attention at a facility equipped with antivenom,” he advised.
He also cautioned against harmful practices such as cutting or sucking the wound, utilizing tourniquets, ice, or herbal remedies, emphasizing that prompt medical attendance is pivotal for survival.
“Rapid intervention is crucial. While antivenom is most efficacious when administered immediately, its effectiveness cannot be guaranteed, especially when neurotoxic symptoms have begun to appear, highlighting the urgent need for swift evacuation,” he warned.
Dr. Fasawe underscored the FCTA’s commitment to enhancing emergency responses, which includes the acquisition of new ambulances and augmenting hospital capabilities for intensive care and airway management.
“To minimize response time, the FCTA has bolstered secondary preventive measures by expanding road networks and recently obtaining and deploying 12 ambulances, which are specially outfitted for emergency situations. Hospitals are equipped to handle antivenom administration, immobilization without the use of tourniquets, monitoring for adverse reactions, and providing supportive care. Advanced care, which encompasses ICU admission, airway management, coagulation oversight, and blood transfusion services, is accessible in hospitals throughout the FCT,” she explained.
She emphasized that both private and public health facilities would face penalties for breaching emergency protocols.
“I must stress that all healthcare establishments, whether public or private, are required to strictly adhere to the approved clinical protocols. Monitoring and enforcement will be rigorous, and facilities found to be negligent will face consequences,” she asserted.
Finally, she reminded the public to utilize official emergency contact numbers for ambulance services.
“For urgent situations, residents should call the FCT Emergency Medical System and Ambulance Services at – 090157892931 and 090157892932.
The FCTA is dedicated to enhancing emergency frameworks, upholding healthcare quality standards, and safeguarding the well-being of all residents in the Federal Capital Territory,” she concluded.
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