Snakebite: FCTA to sanction hospitals over protocol negligence, confirms antivenom surplus

By Omeiza Ajayi

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reassured residents that antivenom supplies remain fully stocked and accessible across all FCTA-owned hospitals and public health centres.

The disclosure came as a direct response to the mounting public outcry following the tragic passing of singer and social media influencer Ifunanya Nwangene at a federal government-owned facility, the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), in Jabi, Abuja, as a result of snakebite.

Her death sparked a wave of allegations regarding medical negligence and a perceived scarcity of life-saving treatment within the territory’s healthcare system.

Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, in a statement, emphasised that the territory maintains a robust inventory of both polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms, all kept under stringent quality control measures.

In the event of an encounter, the Mandate Secretary stressed that “all snakebites must be treated as venomous until proven otherwise.”

The recommended protocol involves staying calm, immobilising the limb, and seeking immediate hospital care while avoiding harmful traditional practices like cutting the wound or applying tourniquets.

Dr. Fasawe highlighted that the FCTA has significantly invested in emergency infrastructure, including the deployment of 12 new ambulances and enhanced ICU capacities.

However, she was firm in her warning to healthcare providers regarding the standard of care. “I want to reiterate that all healthcare facilities, public and private, must adhere strictly to approved clinical protocols,” she stated. “Monitoring and enforcement will be intensified, and facilities found negligent will face sanctions.”

Ultimately, the administration maintains that timely medical intervention remains the most critical factor for survival.

Dr Fasawe reminded the public that “while antivenom is most effective when administered early, its use does not guarantee recovery, particularly where neurotoxic symptoms have already manifested, underscoring the need for rapid evacuation.”

According to her, “Different forms and types of anti-snake venom are widely available across FCTA-owned hospitals and public health facilities.”

She explained that “stocking decisions are guided by collaboration with veterinary doctors, who help identify the most common snake species in the FCT.”

To maintain the efficacy of these treatments, the antivenoms are centrally stored at the Abuja Central Medical Stores, where the Secretariat directly manages quality and cold-chain integrity, she said.

This logistical framework, according to her, is designed to ensure that when an emergency strikes, the necessary medication is both potent and available.

The urgency of this assurance stems from reports surrounding Ms Nwangene’s treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi.

While critics alleged the facility lacked the necessary antivenom, the hospital dismissed these claims as unfounded. FMC Jabi maintained that the patient was brought in long after the bite occurred and was already displaying advanced neurotoxic symptoms, including respiratory distress.

The facility noted that such a delayed presentation significantly reduces the likelihood of survival, regardless of antivenom availability.

Addressing the tragedy, Dr Fasawe expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family while framing the incident as a critical turning point for public awareness.

She noted that “the loss of a promising young life is deeply painful and distressing,” adding that “such medically preventable deaths must be taken seriously, with strengthened measures to prevent recurrence.”

Fasawe categorised snakebites as a preventable public health emergency, noting that venomous species like cobras, vipers and puff adders are increasingly encountered as urban areas expand into natural habitats.

Residents are encouraged to use the dedicated emergency ambulance lines at 090157892931 and 090157892932 to ensure swift transport to the nearest qualified facility.

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