Anti-snake venom drugs worth N8 million have been procured by Gombe State Government for Snake Bite Treatment Centre, Kaltungo.
Dr. Kennedy Ishaya, Gombe State Commissioner for Health, who told newsmen in Gombe, said the state government would inform the public as soon as the venom drugs arrive at the centre.
Kennedy, who said the centre offers free treatment, antibiotics and surgical care to patients bitten by snakes, noted that the 100 ampules of drug provided to the centre by the Federal Government in July had been exhausted.
He said patients from parts of the country, Cameroun and Chad Republic were patronising the centre for snake bite treatment.
He, however, said that the new 250-capacity ward for snake bite treatment was furnished with modern equipment, adding that the ward would be inaugurated in November.
Dr Abubakar Balla, officer in-charge of the Centre, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the centre had stopped admitting patients because there was no drug.
“We do not have drugs to treat patients at the moment. Currently there are only 10 persons on admission.
“We can only treat those who can afford to buy drugs outside the hospital,’’ he said.