Snakebite victims in Gombe State have appealed to the government to subsidise the high cost of anti-snake venom, warning that many lives are at risk.
Speaking in Kaltungo Local Government Area on Thursday, some patients said they were forced to buy the drug at exorbitant prices due to shortages at the Snakebite Hospital.
Ali Idris, from Bojude Village, said he spent N500,000 on two vials after being bitten and hospitalised for eight days. “Most patients are poor rural dwellers. Many can’t afford the treatment. We are begging the government to help us,” he said.
Another victim, Abubakar Muhammed from Abuja-Bula, said he paid N250,000 for one vial. “Some patients come with no money at all. Others are borrowing just to survive. Government intervention is urgent,” he added.
Dr. Nicholas Hamman, Principal Medical Officer at the Snakebite Hospital and Research Centre, confirmed the shortage but disclosed that efforts were underway to procure 5,000 vials before the harvest season in October, when cases usually peak.
He said 726 patients were treated between January and June, with 24 deaths recorded, adding that many victims are avoiding hospital care because of the drug shortage.
A hospital official warned that those resorting to traditional remedies were endangering their lives.
