Benue state governor, Dr Samuel Ortom, Monday, disclosed that since 2016, more than six hundred and eighty million naira (N680 million) has been spent on treatment of snake bites.
Speaking during the commissioning of an ultra modern laboratory at Bishop Murray Hospital Makurdi, owned by the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, the governor said 2,981 cases of snake bite have been recorded out of which 64 died and 2, 917 survived.
He said he had to hand over the snake bites treatment to the state, considering the huge number of cases involved. He noted that some people with snake bite issues were coming from Nasarawa, Kogi and Taraba states to benefit from the treatment.
Ortom said, “Considering the huge amount of money involved in the treatment of snake bites, I have discussed with the Commissioner for Health and a memo was brought before the State Executive Council for approval.”
He further said he was committed in ensuring provision of quality health facilities in the state noting that he has acquired two billion naira loan that he is using to improve health facilities in the state.
He has been used for construction and renovation of eight general hospitals in the state, acquired modern medical equipment for the hospitals including two dialysis machines and other diagnostic equipment.
Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Wilfred Anagbe, while speaking at the occasion, said he decided to construct the laboratory in the hospital to provide standard medical treatment to patience not only in the hospital but the whole state.
He said over the years, the church has been, aside the religious work, involved in the provision of hospitals and schools.
According to him, it was surprising that the number of persons with diabetes was on the increase and at least 2 out of 10 persons diagnosed these days in Benue have hepatitis.
He urged people to come and test themselves at the laboratory for early diagnostic and treatment.
