The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has confirmed that antivenom supplies are stocked and accessible across health facilities under its management and said it will enforce adherence to snakebite clinical treatment protocols in public and private hospitals, officials said.
FCTA’s Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, said the territory maintains a robust inventory of both polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms stored under quality control measures at designated facilities, including FCTA‑owned hospitals and public health centres across the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement, Dr. Fasawe highlighted that the administration works with veterinary experts to determine the types of antivenom most suited to the common snake species encountered within the territory, and that these stocks are centrally stored at the Abuja Central Medical Stores to preserve potency and ensure reliable availability.
Dr. Fasawe said approved medical protocols for snakebite management involve prompt hospital presentation, calm handling of the victim, immobilisation of the affected limb, and avoidance of harmful traditional practices such as cutting the wound or applying tourniquets, before administering antivenom and supportive care at qualified facilities.
She emphasised that timely medical intervention remains critical to patient outcomes and noted that antivenom effectiveness is reduced when neurotoxic symptoms have already progressed, stressing the importance of rapid evacuation to health centres capable of delivering comprehensive care.
The FCTA official reiterated that all healthcare providers in the territory must adhere strictly to approved clinical protocols for snakebite treatment and that monitoring and enforcement actions will be intensified.
Facilities found not complying with standard treatment guidelines may face sanctions under regulatory provisions.
Dr. Fasawe also highlighted investments in emergency response capacity, including the deployment of additional ambulances and enhanced intensive care capabilities, to improve overall readiness for medical emergencies, including severe envenoming.
The administration’s assurance and enforcement push follows public discussion around emergency care and antivenom availability in the territory, underlining the government’s position that supplies are present and that adherence to clinical standards is essential for effective snakebite management.
Healthcare experts note that prompt presentation and adherence to treatment protocols are critical in managing snakebite cases, and availability of antivenom is one part of a broader emergency care system that includes trained personnel, supportive therapies and effective referral networks.
