The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the upgrade of the Snakebite Treatment Centre in Kaltungo, Gombe State, to the National Snakebite Research and Medical Centre as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and tackle neglected public health challenges.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, announced the decision after Monday’s FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He said the upgraded centre will provide specialised treatment, conduct research, train healthcare workers, and ensure the availability of quality anti-snake venom.
According to the minister, Nigeria records over 43,000 snakebite cases annually, with rural communities in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions among the most affected.
FEC also approved N6.9 billion for the procurement of 10 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered mobile blood donation clinics for the National Blood Service Agency. The initiative is expected to boost voluntary blood donation and improve blood availability for pregnant women, accident victims, surgical patients, and cancer patients.
In addition, the Council approved N62 billion for the procurement of tuberculosis (TB) commodities to strengthen the country’s response to the disease. Pate said the government is assuming responsibility for procuring essential TB supplies while advancing plans for local production.
Source: Daily Trust
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