Legislation that will ensure free treatment for snakebite victims at state-owned hospitals has been adopted by the Benue State House of Assembly.
After passing its third reading during plenary, which was chaired by Speaker Berger Alfred Emberga, the bill gained support from the legislators.
The development followed a public hearing on Monday, March 23, 2026, where health sector stakeholders reviewed the need for legislation to improve Benue’s access to snakebite treatment.
Dr. Mathew Damkor, the chairman of the House Standing Committee on Health and Human Services and the representative for the Tiev State Constituency, stated that snakebite is a serious public health issue that has not received enough attention, particularly among farmers and rural residents.
According to Damkor, the new law is anticipated to provide a coordinated framework for handling snakebite cases throughout the state and eliminate the financial obstacles that frequently prevent victims from receiving critical medical care.
Because farmers and other rural inhabitants are frequently exposed to snakebite cases, Speaker Emberga stated that the law was both necessary and timely.
He pointed out that the law would assist in addressing some of the significant challenges encountered by snakebite victims, particularly those who live in Benue State’s rural areas.