The Nigerian Government has reached an agreement with the Gombe State Government to take over the Snakebite Hospital in Kaltungo.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate said the plan is to transform the hospital into a national centre for clinical services, teaching, research, and the local production of anti-snake venom.
Speaking after an inspection of the upgraded facility, Prof. Pate said “the move aims to reduce dependence on imported anti-venom and meet the country’s growing needs.”
He noted that the hospital already treats victims from across the North-East and neighbouring countries and serves agricultural communities, where snakebites are most common.
The Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Health for their collaboration.
He highlighted the approval of CONMESS and CONHESS salary structures to motivate health workers and strengthen service delivery, noting the state’s alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
During the visit, Prof. Pate also commissioned a state-of-the-art Accident & Emergency (A&E) unit at the General Hospital, Kaltungo, and inspected the newly upgraded Ture Balam Primary Healthcare Centre, which now provides round-the-clock services to over 228 people and has improved maternal and child health outcomes. The Ture Balam Centre now offers 24/7 services, serving over 5,300 people. It has shown improved maternal and child health outcomes.
He described Gombe’s healthcare model as worthy of replication nationwide and pledged continued Nigerian Government support under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Governor Yahaya attributed the success to deliberate investment and partnerships, saying, “When we invest in facilities, incentivize health workers, and strengthen partnerships, lives are improved and communities become healthier.”
Mercy Chukwudiebere