The Nigerian Senate has urged the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to establish and enforce national guidelines requiring public and private hospitals to maintain minimum stock levels of essential antidotes and emergency medicines.
The call followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Adebule Idiat Oluranti of Lagos West, which highlighted the growing need for coordinated federal and state action to ensure the availability and accessibility of life-saving treatments across the country.
Lawmakers noted a steady rise in medical emergencies such as snakebites, scorpion stings, poisoning, drug overdoses, and other forms of envenomation, underscoring weaknesses in emergency preparedness.
The resolution was prompted by concern over the death of Abuja-based singer Ifunanya Nwangene, who reportedly died after failing to receive anti-venom treatment following a snakebite.
Senators described the incident as preventable and indicative of serious gaps in the health system.
As part of its recommendations, the Senate called on health regulators to make the stocking of essential antidotes a compulsory condition for licensing and accreditation of private hospitals, while ensuring adequate funding and efficient supply chains for public facilities.
The upper chamber also directed relevant government agencies to intensify nationwide public awareness campaigns on the importance of seeking immediate medical care after snakebites, poisoning, and similar emergencies.
