SDGs to partner Gombe on upgrade of snake bite hospital centre
By Joshua Danmalam
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), office in collaboration with Gombe State Government are set to upgrade the Snakebite hospital located in Kaltungo Local Government Area, into a research, anti-venom production and treatment centre.
The facility receive patients from across the North East states, other parts of the region and outside of the country including Cameroon.
Our correspondent had reported that a vial of anti snakebite ranges from N30,000 to N40,000, as patients are made to buy from vendors when the facility experiences stock out.
Savannah Region of Northern Nigeria reported an annual incidence of 497/100,000 and a mortality of 12.2% for snakes, based on research Snakebite in Children in Nigeria: A Comparison of the First aid Treatment Measures with the World Health Organization’s Guidelines for Management of Snakebite in Africa.
Speaking, Idris Bawa leader of the delegation, who was accompanied by Director Hospital Services of the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Emmanuel Mahdi, said this would reduce the stress of indigent clients who patronize the facility.
He said, “This is based on invitation by the Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), on the need for the upgrade of the Hospital to reduce the suffering of people of the area.
“This is occasioned by the devastating impact of snakebite which includes loss of work hours, drain on the economy as well related health challenges associated with snakebite.”
According to Bawa, the requirements needed for the upgrade of the hospital would include additional laboratories, staff quarters, wards solar power, ambulances and critical equipment, work would begin as soon as approval is obtained.
Receiving the delegation in his Palace the Mai Kaltungo Engr. Saleh Mohammed expressed gratitude to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his tremendous effort to the development of the Chiefdom.
Mohammed recalled that barely two months ago the Governor upgrade and remodeling of Kaltungo General Hospital in addition to the reconstruction of Government Science Secondary School Kaltungo among many other developmental projects.
Also speaking, Senior Special Assistant to Governor on the Sustainable Development Goals, Alhaji Bashir Tukur said the upgrade of Kaltungo Snakebite Hospital would certainly bring succor to the people as patient are being brought as far as eight states for treatment of snakebite cases.
Joshua Danmalam, Information officer, Gombe SSG’s office.
