64 DEATHS AS BENUE GOVT SPENDS N680M ON SNAKEBITE TREATMENT.(PHOTO).

64 DEATHS AS BENUE GOVT SPENDS N680M ON SNAKEBITE TREATMENT

31st January, 2023     

The Benue state government has expended the sum of N680 million on the treatment of snake victims even as 64 people died in the course of treatment.

Governor Samuel Ortom, who made the disclosure at the inauguration of the ultra Modern Laboratory facility at the Bishop Murray Medical Centre, Makurdi, on Monday, said he started free treatment of snake victims in year 2000 when he was not a Governor.

According to him, he visited a friend sometimes at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, when a victim was brought for four days and was about to be taken back home to wait for his death, which he intervened to save a life.

“The Bishop Murray medical centre was treating snake victims and I was paying the fee in piecemeal and owing N70 million arrears,” he stated.

Governor Ortom disclosed that his administration obtained a N2,000 bank facility, which was used in procuring some medical equipment for Benue State University Teaching Hospital for LASA fever treatment and upgrading facilities at state medical centres.

He commended the Catholic church for intervening in the provision of schools and hospitals to complement government efforts, assuring of contentious assistance to the church to grow to a higher height.

In his remarks, the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Most Revd Wilfred Anagbe, decried the destruction of schools, churches and hospitals meant to care for people of the state by terrorists herdsmen.

Bishop Anagbe, who said the Catholic diocese will be seeking reparation in times to come, commended Governor Ortom for fighting for his people and prayed God to bless him to keep doing good for humanity.

Earlier, the Health Coordinator, Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Revd Fr Peter Paleve, said of 2,981 cases reported, 64 died while 2,917 were treated and discharged.

Father Paleve, who commended the Governor for his unflinching, relentless and ceaseless support of the integrated health programme, noted that the Diocese has done much as regards health, and is willing to do more if the State Government will continue to assist in some aspects that are grossly militating against her progress.

He, however, called on the Benue state government to provide the centre with diagnostic machines so as to provide better and more effective services to the people of Benue State.