The Senate has called on the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to develop and enforce national guidelines requiring public and private hospitals to maintain minimum stock levels of essential antidotes and emergency medicines across Nigeria.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Adebule Idiat Oluranti, APC Lagos West, who said rising cases of snakebites, poisoning, drug overdoses and other medical emergencies highlight gaps in emergency preparedness and access to life-saving treatment.
Lawmakers also expressed concern over the death of Abuja-based singer Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known as Nanya, who reportedly died after a snake bite. The Senate said the incident exposed serious shortcomings in the availability of antidotes in health facilities.
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As part of its resolutions, the Senate urged health regulatory bodies to make the stocking of essential antidotes a requirement for hospital licensing and accreditation, and directed the Federal Ministry of Information and the National Orientation Agency to intensify public awareness on the need for prompt medical care after snakebites and similar emergencies.
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