FCTA Assures Residents of Adequate Antivenom Supply Warns Hospitals Against Negligence

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has reassured residents that antivenom supplies are fully stocked and readily available across all FCTA owned hospitals and public health centres in Abuja.

This assurance follows widespread public concern after the death of singer and social media influencer, Ifunanya Nwangene, who reportedly died from a snakebite at the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi. Her passing sparked allegations of medical negligence and claims of a shortage of life saving antivenom within the territory’s health system.

In a statement, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, dismissed claims of scarcity, stating that the FCTA maintains a robust inventory of both polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms. She explained that the drugs are stored under strict quality control and cold chain conditions to ensure effectiveness.

Dr Fasawe stressed that all snakebites should be treated as venomous until confirmed otherwise. She advised residents to remain calm, immobilise the affected limb, and seek immediate medical attention, while avoiding harmful practices such as cutting the wound or applying tourniquets.

She also revealed that the FCTA has strengthened emergency response capacity through the deployment of 12 new ambulances and improved intensive care facilities across public hospitals.

Issuing a strong warning to healthcare providers, the Mandate Secretary said all public and private health facilities must strictly adhere to approved clinical protocols. She noted that monitoring and enforcement would be intensified, adding that facilities found negligent would face sanctions.

According to her, stocking decisions for antivenom are guided by collaboration with veterinary experts who help identify common snake species in the FCT. Antivenoms are centrally stored at the Abuja Central Medical Stores to preserve potency and ensure rapid deployment during emergencies.

While addressing the circumstances surrounding Nwangene’s death, Dr Fasawe expressed condolences to her family, describing the incident as deeply painful. She noted that delayed presentation after a snakebite, especially when neurotoxic symptoms have developed, significantly reduces survival chances even when antivenom is available.

Residents were urged to promptly contact emergency ambulance services through dedicated lines to ensure quick evacuation and treatment.