The Association of Resident Doctors, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (ARD-UITH), has recommended that snake antivenom be made readily available at the Primary Healthcare (PHC) level.
President of the association, Dr Ezekiel Adeshina, made the call on Wednesday in Ilorin while speaking with reporters.
He spoke against the backdrop of the recent snakebite death of prominent Nigerian artist Ifunanya Nwangene, who reportedly visited two hospitals unable to administer antivenom.
Adeshina noted that making snake antivenom available at PHC facilities would facilitate faster treatment, reduce treatment time, increase survival chances, and minimize complications.
He emphasized that early response and prompt antivenom administration can significantly reduce snakebite-related deaths and mortality rates.
Adeshina, a Senior Registrar in General Surgery at UITH, pointed out that most snakebites occur in rural areas, where many PHC facilities are located.
“These facilities should be equipped with ample antivenom and other medications, along with trained staff who can manage snakebites.
“Snake venom is a complex mixture of proteins, enzymes, and toxins used by snakes to immobilize prey, initiate digestion, and defend themselves.
“When bitten by a snake, the first thing to do is avoid panic, as that may worsen venom circulation.
“Remove the victim from the danger point, identify the bite site and clean it with antiseptic, identify the snake type if possible, and transport the person to a hospital with antivenom facility,” he said.
The expert warned against tying the bitten area, explaining: “Tying concentrates the toxin in that part, making it more dangerous. It also spreads faster to the heart after untying.”
Adeshina advised people to use anti-snake sprays around compounds and block all nooks and crannies on walls to prevent reptiles from hiding.
In his reaction, Dr Abdulfatai Abdulazeez, President of Resident Doctors at Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH), described snake venom as a toxic secretion produced by specialized glands in snakes and injected through fangs during a bite.
“It is a complex mixture of biologically active substances—including enzymes, proteins, and peptides—designed mainly to immobilize, kill, and begin digestion of prey, and for defense,” he said.
He added that snake venom can be neurotoxic (damaging nerves), cytotoxic (destroying tissues), or hemotoxic (interfering with blood clotting).
“In humans, snake venom can cause anything from local pain and swelling to paralysis, bleeding disorders, organ failure, or death if not treated promptly,” he said.
Abdulazeez observed that PHC facilities play a crucial role in early recognition, first aid, stabilization, and referral of snakebite victims.
He, however, pointed out that definitive management—including antivenom administration—should be done at well-equipped secondary or tertiary health facilities.
He disclosed that KWASUTH stocks Polyvenom, the antivenom treatment for bites from venomous snakes, particularly those from the Elapidae family (including cobras, kraits, and mambas).
