Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by Henry Owen
The Nigerian Government has reached an agreement with the Gombe State Government to assume responsibility for the Snakebite Hospital in Kaltungo, a facility dedicated to treating victims of venomous snakebites. The move is part of broader national efforts to strengthen specialized healthcare and improve access to critical medical services.
According to Health Minister Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the hospital will be developed into a national hub for the treatment of snakebite cases, research into antivenom production, professional training, and the local manufacture of anti-snake venom. This initiative is intended to enhance the country’s capacity to manage snakebite incidents, which remain a public health concern in many rural communities across Nigeria.
During his visit to Kaltungo, the Minister also commissioned a new Accident & Emergency unit at the Kaltungo General Hospital. He inspected the upgraded Ture Balam Primary Healthcare Centre, highlighting improvements aimed at increasing access to healthcare services for residents in surrounding areas.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State emphasized the importance of collaboration between federal and state authorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that strategic partnerships, targeted investments, and policy incentives are critical for expanding healthcare delivery and ensuring that specialized medical services reach communities that are often underserved.
Snakebite envenomation is a recognized public health issue in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where access to immediate medical care is limited. Delays in treatment can result in serious complications or fatalities. Facilities like the Kaltungo Snakebite Hospital provide targeted care and are essential in addressing both emergency response and longer-term treatment needs.
The federal takeover and planned upgrade of the hospital aim to centralize expertise, improve research capabilities, and support local production of antivenoms. Experts suggest that integrating research, training, and clinical care in one center could help reduce the incidence of preventable deaths from snakebites and strengthen Nigeria’s overall public health infrastructure.
The initiative also signals a broader focus on improving emergency response capacity, community healthcare access, and specialized medical training across the country, as part of ongoing government efforts to address health challenges in underserved regions.
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