2.2.2026
The Plateau Government has affirmed that it has a deliberate, well-coordinated supply chain of Echitab Anti-Snake Venom stocked in strategic hospitals, general hospitals, and treatment centres across the state.
Mr Kim Bot, Executive Secretary (ES), Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency (PS-DMCMA) said this in a statement on Monday in Jos.
He said the Echitab Polyvalent Anti-Snake Venom (ASV) are available free of charge to those who need it to ensure that every victim, whether in a remote village or an urban centre, could receive accessible lifesaving treatment without incurring financial burden.
The EC added that health workers have been instructed to administer it immediately when diagnosed, and no patient should be asked to pay for it, not even a naira.
Bot, a pharmacist, said snakebite is a medical emergency, and as such, no life would be lost due to lack of access, cost, or delay in getting the antivenom in Plateau.
“We assure the public that adequate quantities of Echitab ASV are in stock and distribution is ongoing in the 17 local government areas (LGAs) and at all designated treatment centres.
“Health workers have been instructed to administer it immediately when diagnosed, and no patient should be asked to pay for it, not even a naira.
“Any health facility, staff, or individual found withholding, diverting, or charging for this life-saving drug will be dealt with decisively,“ he cautioned.
The ES commended Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his humane intervention in procuring Echitab Anti-Snake Venom and making it completely free of charge.
He said the gesture by the governor would save hundreds of lives and reduce the spate of disability and suffering of victims of snakebite and also restore confidence in the public health care system.
The statement was issued in obvious response to claim that there is no anti-snake venom in Nigeria following death of Abuja singer, Ms Ifunanya Nwagene after snake bite. NAN