FEC Approves N93.9bn For Snakebite Treatment, Other Healthcare Initiatives

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved four major health sector interventions valued at about N93.9 billion, aimed at strengthening healthcare services, disease control efforts and emergency medical response across the country.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the approvals while briefing State House correspondents after Monday’s FEC meeting in Abuja, chaired by President Bola Tinubu.

Among the approvals is the transformation of the Kaltungo Snakebite Treatment Centre into the National Snakebite Research and Medical Centre.

Pate said the upgraded facility would serve as a specialised centre for treatment, research, training and the provision of sustainable access to quality antivenom.

“Snakebite remains a significant yet neglected public health challenge, especially among farmers, herders, hunters, women and children,” he said.

According to the minister, Nigeria records more than 43,000 snakebite cases annually, resulting in deaths, disabilities and severe socio-economic impacts.

“This will be the first specialised snakebite research and treatment centre in Nigeria and the sub-region,” Mr Pate said.

FEC also approved the acquisition of 10 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered blood donation mobile clinics for the National Blood Service Agency at a cost of about N6.9 billion.

Pate explained that the mobile clinics would enhance blood collection, storage and distribution across the country.

“We require about 1.8 million units of blood annually but currently collect only about 25 to 30 per cent,” he said.

He added that the initiative would support maternal healthcare, trauma care, surgical procedures and cancer treatment in all six geopolitical zones.

In another key decision, the council approved N62 billion for the procurement of tuberculosis (TB) commodities as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s response to one of the highest TB burdens globally.

“Nigeria is among countries with the highest tuberculosis burden. Government is now taking responsibility for procuring these commodities,” he said.

Pate noted that the move would reduce the country’s reliance on foreign donors while creating opportunities for the local production of tuberculosis medicines.

The Council further approved the procurement of reproductive health and family planning commodities through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency at a cost of about N25 billion.

According to the minister, the programme is expected to improve maternal healthcare outcomes and expand access to voluntary family planning services nationwide.

“The commodities will be distributed through primary healthcare centres while supporting future local manufacturing,” Mr Pate said.

He said the approvals reflect the Tinubu administration’s commitment to expanding healthcare access, improving health outcomes and building a more resilient health system for Nigerians.