Nigerian Lawmakers Demand Adequate Anti-venom Stocking in Hospitals Nationwide

The Nigerian Senate has called on state and municipal governments to establish coordinated emergency referral and response systems to ensure the adequate stocking and availability of anti-venom in public and private hospitals nationwide.

The call followed a motion sponsored by Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule (APC, Lagos West), in the wake of the death of a fast-rising gospel singer, Ifunanya Nwangene, who reportedly died after suffering a snakebite and being unable to access antivenom treatment promptly.

Lawmakers proposed that effective measures be put in place to ensure easy and rapid access to life-saving medicines, particularly during emergencies such as snakebites, scorpion stings, poisoning, and drug overdoses, where delays often prove fatal. Ifunanya’s death has sparked public outrage, with many describing it as potentially avoidable.

Reports allege that she sought urgent care at two hospitals but was left untreated due to the absence of antivenom.

However, the management of the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja – where she was eventually taken – said its medical personnel made concerted efforts to save her life but were unsuccessful.

Following the debate, the Senate called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, working with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), to ensure the procurement, quality assurance, proper storage and nationwide availability of safe, effective and affordable anti-venoms and other critical antidotes, with priority given to high-risk regions.