Gkingmusik  reports that the resolution followed the consideration and adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule (APC, Lagos West), which raised concerns over the increasing cases of medical emergencies requiring immediate intervention.

Leading the debate, Adebule highlighted the growing incidence of snakebites, scorpion stings, poisoning, drug overdoses and other forms of envenomation across the country.

She warned that delays in administering specific antidotes often lead to avoidable deaths and irreversible health complications.

The lawmaker expressed particular concern over the reported death of Miss Ifunanya Nwangene, who allegedly died after being bitten by a snake in Abuja.

She described the incident as a tragic illustration of the gaps in emergency preparedness and the poor availability of critical antidotes within Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Adebule noted that the World Health Organisation classifies snakebite envenoming as a neglected tropical disease, stressing the need for timely access to safe and effective antivenoms, especially in countries like Nigeria where such incidents remain prevalent.

The senator also recalled constitutional provisions that obligate the government to safeguard the welfare of citizens.

She cited Section 17(3)(d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates the state to provide adequate medical and health facilities, and Section 14(2)(b), which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

According to the motion, many public and private hospitals do not stock essential antidotes such as antivenoms and anti-toxins or keep them in insufficient quantities.

This, the Senate noted, often results in dangerous treatment delays, unnecessary referrals and preventable loss of lives.

The lawmakers lamented that victims are frequently forced to move between hospitals during the critical “golden hour” in search of antidotes, a situation that significantly increases mortality and morbidity rates.

In adopting the motion, the Senate urged health regulatory authorities to make the stocking of essential antidotes a mandatory requirement for the licensing, registration and renewal of accreditation of private hospitals.

It also called for adequate budgetary provision and efficient supply mechanisms to ensure public hospitals are properly equipped.

The Senate further directed the Federal Ministry of Information and the National Orientation Agency to embark on nationwide public sensitisation campaigns on the importance of prompt hospital presentation following snakebites, poisoning and other envenomation incidents.

Lawmakers warned against delayed treatment and reliance on unorthodox remedies.

In addition, the Senate urged the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to strengthen the National Building Code by making the installation of Non-Return Valves mandatory in buildings to prevent rodents and snakes from entering homes through drainage systems.

The Senate said the measures were necessary to prevent avoidable deaths and strengthen emergency healthcare response across the country.