The Senate has urged state governments and the Federal Capital Territory Administration to mandate that hospitals maintain supplies of antivenom and other essential emergency medications.
This request comes in response to growing concerns over preventable deaths resulting from inadequate management of medical emergencies throughout the nation.
Senators emphasized the need for hospitals to be integrated into a coordinated emergency referral and response system that connects both public and private healthcare facilities.
They believe this will facilitate quick access to critical medications during emergencies, such as snakebites, scorpion stings, poisoning, and drug overdoses.
The resolution was passed following a motion introduced by Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule, who represents Lagos West.
The motion highlighted the urgent necessity for federal and state governments to guarantee the proper availability and accessibility of emergency antidotes across the country.
The Senate’s decision was prompted by public outrage over the death of Abuja-based singer, Ifunanya Nwangene, who reportedly died after suffering a snakebite and being unable to obtain antivenom in time.
Her death received significant attention after her church choir confirmed the incident in a Facebook post from its music director, Sam Ezugwu.
Reports indicated that she visited two hospitals but was unable to receive treatment due to a lack of antivenom.
However, the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, where she was eventually taken, stated that its medical team attempted to save her, but she did not survive.
During the debate, Senator Adebule remarked that Nigeria is experiencing an increase in emergency cases requiring immediate medical attention, yet hospitals are not sufficiently equipped.
She pointed out that snakebites, poisoning, and drug overdoses necessitate quick access to specific antidotes, and delays can often result in death or lasting health issues.
She characterized Ifunanya’s death as tragic and preventable, highlighting significant deficiencies in emergency preparedness in both public and private hospitals.
The senator noted that the World Health Organization classifies snakebite envenoming as a neglected tropical disease and emphasizes the need for timely access to safe antivenom, particularly in countries like Nigeria where snakebites are prevalent.
The Senate expressed concern that many hospitals either do not stock essential antidotes or only maintain minimal supplies, forcing patients to move from one facility to another during the critical first hour of treatment.
Following the debate, lawmakers called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with NAFDAC, to ensure the procurement, proper storage, and nationwide availability of safe and affordable antivenoms.
They also urged state governments to conduct audits of hospitals to verify compliance with emergency preparedness and antidote-stocking standards.
Additionally, regulatory bodies were asked to implement regular training for healthcare workers on the proper administration of antidotes.
The Senate further recommended that hospitals be required to stock essential antidotes.
