During the 106th regular meeting of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors in Nigeria, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Jatau, urged the Federal Government to increase antivenom production for treating snakebites nationwide.
Highlighting the high incidence of snakebites in Kaltungo Local Government Area in Gombe, it was noted that the hospital in the area serves not only the state but also victims from other countries.
The World Health Organization explained that antivenoms enhance the immune response post-snakebite and are developed by immunizing donor animals like horses or sheep with snake venoms.
Yahaya stated, “May I appeal that the issue of snakebites in Kaltungo, which has a history that is too long be addressed. Kaltungo, which is recorded as the community with the highest number of snakes needs the Federal Government and the World Health Organisation’s intervention. The snakebite hospital is not just serving the North-East but Cameroun and others.”
Professor Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, virtually addressed the event’s opening ceremony, pledging to enhance the Snakebite Hospital in Kaltungo.
He further stated that the government intends to explore domestic production options as demand for snakebite treatment continues to grow, ensuring a more sustainable and self-sufficient approach to addressing snakebite cases.
He mentioned, “We are committed to bringing succour to the people of Gombe State and the North-East on this important issue because it has been a challenge for many years. We will strengthen the snakebite hospital to see how to produce some of the antivenoms domestically. I don’t think Nigeria should rely in perpetuity on importation.”
Dr. Yahaya Baba, Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre Keffi and acting Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors, emphasized that the committee’s gathering aimed to foster growth and advancement through collaborative learning and sharing of best practices among peers.
He stated, “When you have good manpower provided for citizens when you have improved in patients’ attention, it’s for the good of the citizens. We do peer revenue and learn from each other. We are here to learn from his achievements.”
Dr. Abdullahi, Chief Medical Director of Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, expressed his delight and appreciation for the high attendance of his colleagues at the 106th meeting, highlighting the importance of collective engagement and knowledge sharing in the medical community.
He mentioned, “I feel honoured and great to see my colleagues from across the country, who came to see what we are doing in order to improve medical practice in the country.
“The people of Gombe State should expect hybrid performance in obtaining treatment from FTH.”
