Odita Sunday 
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has pledged to strengthen emergency response and healthcare delivery following the death of Ms. Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene from complications arising from a snakebite.
The Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, expressing deep sorrow over the incident.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Ms. Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene. The loss of a promising young life is deeply painful and distressing. Such medically preventable deaths must be taken seriously,” she said.
Dr. Fasawe described snakebite as a major but largely preventable public health concern, noting that increased interaction between humans and snakes had raised the risk in both urban and rural communities.
“Snakes are commonly found around farms, grasslands, and even near homes in search of shelter and food. As a rule, all snakebites must be treated as venomous until proven otherwise,” she stated.
She urged residents to adopt preventive measures, including wearing protective clothing, clearing bushes around homes, sealing building entry points, and avoiding dark areas without light.
According to her, victims of snakebites should remain calm, immobilise the affected limb, remove tight objects, clean the wound gently, and proceed immediately to the nearest hospital.
“Harmful practices such as cutting, sucking the wound, applying tourniquets, ice, or herbal remedies must be avoided,” she warned.
On emergency preparedness, Dr. Fasawe assured that anti-snake venom is available in all FCTA-owned hospitals, centrally stored at the Abuja Central Medical Stores.
“Stocking is guided by collaboration with veterinary doctors who help identify prevalent venom strains in the FCT. We maintain polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms under strict cold-chain management,” she explained.
She also revealed that the FCTA had procured and deployed 12 ambulances to reduce emergency response time and improve patient evacuation.
“Our hospitals provide antivenom, monitoring, and supportive care, while tertiary facilities offer ICU services, airway management, and blood transfusion where necessary,” she added.
The Mandate Secretary further warned private and public health facilities to strictly follow approved clinical protocols.
“All facilities must adhere to standard treatment guidelines. Monitoring will be intensified, and negligence will attract sanctions,” she said.
Residents were advised to contact the FCT Emergency Medical System on 090157892931 and 090157892932 in case of emergencies.
Dr. Fasawe reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting lives through strengthened healthcare systems and improved emergency services.
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