The Senate has directed the Federal Ministry of Health and relevant agencies to ensure the nationwide distribution of antivenoms to hospitals and health centres across the country.
The directive followed concerns raised by lawmakers after the death of Abuja-based singer, Ifunaya Nwagene, reportedly resulting from a snake bite.
He death renewed calls for improved access to lifesaving treatments in medical facilities nationwide.
Lawmakers emphasised the need for urgent measures to strengthen emergency response and ensure hospitals, particularly in rural and high-risk communities, are adequately supplied with antivenoms and trained personnel to manage snakebite cases.
The Senate urged the health authorities to work with state governments and healthcare institutions to maintain adequate stock of antivenoms.
It also called for improved public awareness on prevention and timely medical response to snakebite incidents.
The upper chamber called for improved monitoring and distribution mechanisms to ensure the availability of antivenoms in both public and private hospitals across the country.
