The Senate on Tuesday urged state governments and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to ensure the adequate stocking and availability of antivenom and other life-saving antidotes in public and private hospitals across the country, following rising cases of avoidable deaths from medical emergencies.
Lawmakers said timely access to antivenom is critical in emergencies such as snakebites and scorpion stings, noting that delays in treatment often result in fatal outcomes.
The call followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule (APC, Lagos West), titled “Urgent Need for the Federal and State Governments to ensure adequate stocking, availability, and access to life-saving antidotes and emergency medicines in Public and Private Hospitals across Nigeria.”
In debating the motion, senators stressed the need for coordinated emergency referral and response systems linking public and private health facilities, to ensure patients can quickly access antivenom and other critical drugs when emergencies occur.
The motion was informed by public outrage over the death of a fast-rising Abuja-based singer, Ifunanya Nwangene, who reportedly died after suffering a snakebite and being unable to promptly access antivenom treatment.
Lawmakers described the incident as a painful reminder of the gaps in emergency healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
