The Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board has acquired 500 doses of snake anti-venom for deployment at primary health facilities.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr Chituru Adele, made the disclosure during the First Quarter Review Meeting of the Primary Health Care Task Force, held at Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Dr Adele confirmed that the anti-venom had been distributed and was available at primary health centres to handle snakebite emergencies.
He added that the board was collaborating with the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme to expand enrolment for pregnant women, ensuring they have access to antenatal care and free delivery services.
On future plans, Dr. Adele noted that “plans are underway to extend free enrollment to school children.”
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, stressed the need for openness and cooperation among health sector stakeholders.
She cautioned that “lack of trust could discourage residents from enrolling in the health insurance scheme,” and called on all parties to be forthright in identifying and addressing systemic challenges.
The procurement comes months after a 26-year-old Nigerian singer, Ifunanya Nwangene, lost her life in Abuja following a snakebite sustained in her apartment.
Her death was attributed to delayed medical attention and the unavailability of anti-venom at the hospital.
