Former Benue State Governor Chief Samuel Ortom has intervened in the treatment of a woman who was reportedly bitten by a snake after she arrived at his residence in Makurdi in severe pain and bleeding from several parts of her body.

The victim, who was said to have been bitten by a snake in Tse-Poor, Ugondo community in Makurdi Local Government Area (LGA), was said to have been stranded while seeking medical attention when she encountered Ortom’s former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Terver Akase.

Akase, who was at the former governor’s residence to brief newsmen last Saturday, said he drew Ortom’s attention to the woman’s condition after observing the severity of her situation.

He said Ortom immediately directed that the victim be taken to a hospital for treatment and assured that the medical bill would be settled by him.

Akase said the intervention was consistent with Ortom’s longstanding concern for victims of snakebites, noting that the former governor had supported the treatment of snakebite victims before, during and after his administration.

He, however, expressed concern over the difficulty faced by residents in accessing affordable treatment for snakebite and called for stronger government intervention to ensure that victims receive urgent medical attention.

According to him, the former administration had entered into arrangements with some health facilities to provide free treatment for snakebite victims, particularly because the condition is prevalent in parts of the state.

He said, “Government should intervene promptly on snakebite victims. There is nothing wrong if government does that to save life.”

He added that Ortom would continue to assist victims within his capacity, stressing that the former governor had supported snakebite victims even before he assumed office.

“Chief Ortom will not relent in assisting snakebite victims. He has been doing so before he became governor, while in office and outside office,” he said.

Akase further appealed to the incumbent state government to consider supporting or partnering with private health facilities and other individuals involved in the treatment of snakebite cases.

He said communities around Makurdi and neighbouring areas continue to record snakebite incidents, making access to anti-snake venom and prompt medical care an important public health concern.

Akase also commended journalists for drawing attention to the victim’s plight, saying the media had a role to play in highlighting situations where vulnerable people require urgent assistance.

He urged relevant authorities and other stakeholders to strengthen emergency response mechanisms for snakebite victims so that people would not have to depend solely on personal assistance to save their lives. (The Sun)