The Plateau State Government has reaffirmed that Echitab Polyvalent Anti-Snake Venom (ASV) is readily available, widely distributed, and provided completely free of charge to all snakebite victims across the state.
This assurance was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Director-General of the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency (PS-DMCMA), Pharm. Kim Jerry Bot, who stressed that snakebite cases are treated as medical emergencies, with no life expected to be lost due to cost, lack of access, or treatment delays.
According to the statement, the state has established a well-coordinated supply chain that has ensured adequate stocks of Echitab ASV in strategic hospitals, general hospitals, and designated treatment centres.
The arrangement guarantees prompt treatment for victims in both rural and urban communities, without imposing any financial burden on patients or their families.
The government further disclosed that sufficient quantities of the anti-venom are currently in stock and that distribution is ongoing across all 17 Local Government Areas and approved treatment centres in the state.
Health workers, the statement added, have been directed to administer the anti-venom immediately upon diagnosis to improve survival outcomes.
PS-DMCMA also issued a stern warning that any health facility, staff member, or individual found withholding, diverting, or charging patients for the life-saving drug will face decisive sanctions.
“The lives of Plateau citizens are priceless,” the statement declared.
The initiative was described as a reflection of the compassionate and people-centred leadership of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, noting that by making Echitab ASV free, the administration has reinforced the principle that healthcare in Plateau State is a right, not a privilege.
With this intervention, Plateau State is positioning itself as a model for effective and conscience-driven leadership in public healthcare delivery across the country.
Hospitals and health facilities yet to receive their allocation have been advised to collect supplies from the PS-DMCMA Pharmagrade Warehouse, ensuring they come with appropriate cold-chain equipment for proper storage.
The statement concluded that the distribution plan, approved by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, has been fully outlined and communicated to all relevant stakeholders.
