In Gombe State, Nigeria, patients affected by snakebites are confronting a major obstacle: the high cost of treatment. At Kaltungo Hospital, a specialist centre for snakebite care and research, 726 cases were recorded between January and June, resulting in 24 deaths. Patients are urging the government to intervene and provide affordable access to life‑saving anti‑snake venom.
According to those speaking to the media, treatment expenses are prohibitively high. A single vial of anti‑snake venom can cost up to N250,000, forcing many patients to purchase the medication from external sources and placing a severe financial strain on them. Ali Idris, a resident of Bojude Village, spent eight days in the hospital after a snakebite and had to buy two vials at a total cost of N500,000. Similarly, Abubakar Muhammed from Abuja‑Bula spent two days in the hospital, purchasing one vial for N250,000, and noted that many patients cannot afford the treatment and must borrow money from friends and relatives.
The hospital’s Principal Medical Officer, Dr. Nicholas Hamman, said that both state and federal governments are working to procure 5,000 vials of anti‑snake venom to address the shortage. The procurement process is underway, and the hospital hopes to receive the medication before the peak snakebite season in October. Dr. Hamman expressed concern over the rising number of cases and warned that the shortage of antivenom is discouraging patients from seeking medical care.
Kaltungo Hospital, a national reference centre for snakebite treatment and research, is facing a severe antivenom shortage that is worsening the crisis. Hospital officials are urging patients to seek professional medical attention rather than rely on traditional methods, which can be risky. The combination of limited antivenom supplies and high treatment costs remains a pressing issue, and patients are calling on the government to take urgent action.
Comments are closed for this story.