The Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board has taken steps to improve emergency healthcare response by acquiring 500 doses of snake anti-venom for use across primary health centres in the state.
The Executive Secretary of the board, Chituru Adele, made this known during the First Quarter Review Meeting of the Primary Health Care Task Force held at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
According to him, the anti-venom has already been distributed and is now available at primary healthcare facilities to manage snakebite emergencies effectively.
Beyond emergency care, the board is also working to expand access to essential health services. Dr Adele explained that collaboration is ongoing with the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme to increase enrolment, particularly for pregnant women, ensuring access to antenatal care and free delivery services.
Looking ahead, he revealed plans to broaden the initiative to include younger populations.
“plans are underway to extend free enrollment to school children.”
Also speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Ngozi Nma Odu, highlighted the importance of transparency and collaboration among stakeholders in the health sector.
She warned that a lack of trust could undermine participation in health insurance schemes and urged all parties to be open in addressing challenges within the system.
“lack of trust could discourage residents from enrolling in the health insurance scheme,” she said.
The move to procure anti-venom follows recent concerns about emergency preparedness, particularly after the death of 26-year-old Nigerian singer Ifunanya Nwangene in Abuja.
Her death, which resulted from a snakebite sustained in her apartment, was linked to delayed medical response and the absence of anti-venom at the hospital.
