Musician, Ifunanya Nwangene’s death from a cobra bite has been attributed to the delay in reaching medical care, according to the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja, Professor Saad Ahmed. He emphasized that the hospital had anti-snake venom on hand and administered treatment promptly, but the venom had already spread by the time she arrived.
Speaking during a Senate Committee on Health session on Saturday, Ahmed said 26-year-old Nwangene was already showing severe symptoms of systemic envenomation when she reached the hospital, nearly two hours after the bite.
Addressing social media claims of delayed treatment, Ahmed clarified that the hospital acted immediately. “Two doses of anti-snake venom were administered – first via infusion, followed by a second dose. Our emergency team was fully on standby”, he said.
He explained that the timing of anti-venom administration is critical for its effectiveness. “Had she arrived within 10 to 15 minutes, the outcome might have been different. Unfortunately, by the time she got to us, the venom had already spread. Cobras are highly poisonous, and every minute counts”, Ahmed added.
Extending condolences to the family, Ahmed said the incident underscores the importance of rapid response in snakebite cases and the need for hospitals to be adequately prepared. He reiterated that FMC Abuja maintains fully stocked anti-snake venom and a trained emergency team capable of handling such emergencies.
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