The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has said it will sanction some hospitals in the territory for negligence in adhering to snakebite treatment protocols and confirmed that there is a surplus of antivenom available to support proper care for victims.
This was disclosed by the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr. Umar Musa, during a media briefing.
The FCTA said actions will be taken against healthcare facilities that failed to follow established guidelines for handling snakebite cases in the territory.
The Administration noted that adherence to treatment protocols is critical to effective clinical outcomes for snakebite victims. During the briefing, officials also addressed the availability of antivenom stocks in FCT medical facilities.
The antivenom, which is essential in treating venomous snakebites, was confirmed to be in surplus and ready for distribution where needed.
Mr. Musa explained that the policy direction on sanctions followed observations that some hospitals did not implement the standard snakebite management protocol laid out by health authorities, which compromised patient care.
The FCTA said this must be corrected to ensure quality treatment for affected persons.
Officials also confirmed that the FCTA has procured and stocked a surplus of antivenom to support clinical treatment for snakebite patients.
The antivenom supply is intended to meet current and anticipated needs within the territory and is available to accredited health facilities that comply with treatment guidelines.
The FCTA said it will communicate the sanction framework to hospital administrators and relevant professional bodies to ensure corrective actions are taken. It also called on medical practitioners to strictly adhere to clinical protocols to improve patient outcomes.
Mr. Musa said: “There is a surplus of antivenom in the FCT, and it should be used in accordance with approved clinical protocols. Hospitals that fail to comply with guidelines will face sanctions to safeguard patient welfare and uphold treatment standards.”
The FCTA’s emphasis on enforcing snakebite treatment protocols and confirming antivenom surplus highlights concerns about clinical standards and patient safety in emergency care.
Ensuring compliance with treatment guidelines is part of broader health sector efforts to address neglected tropical diseases and emergency responses across Nigeria.
The FCTA has said it will sanction hospitals that fail to follow snakebite treatment protocols and has confirmed that antivenom supplies are in surplus and available for use.
The Administration urged strict adherence to clinical guidelines to safeguard patient health and improve emergency care outcomes.
