Snakebite Survivor Details Hospital's Shocking Refusal to Provide Available Anti-venom
Following the tragic death of fast-rising singer Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known as Nanyah Music, from a snakebite, a disturbing healthcare narrative has emerged. A Nigerian woman has come forward to share her own harrowing experience with the medical system after surviving a snakebite, revealing how a hospital refused to administer anti-venom despite having the life-saving medication available.
The Traumatic Experience of a Snakebite Survivor
Identified on Facebook as Okafor Christabel, the young lady recounted the distressing events that unfolded after she was bitten by a snake. In a detailed post, she explained that the clinic she visited at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik) had only two vials of anti-venom in stock but refused to use them on her. The medical staff reportedly told her they "cannot afford to waste it" on her case and demanded that she bring the snake itself for identification before they would consider administering the treatment.
Christabel described the profound psychological impact of her experience, stating: "I'm a snake bite survivor, seeing these videos is traumatizing for me. I'm sure you don't know that snake bite comes with high anxiety, the level of panicking it comes with will last you a lifetime. Na fear dey first kee person."
Systemic Failures in Emergency Care
Adding to the initial refusal, Christabel revealed further systemic failures when medical staff finally acknowledged she needed help. She explained in comments: "Even when they finally got to see that I truly needed help, the pharmacist wasn't reachable and they had no key to the store room." This combination of bureaucratic obstacles and questionable medical judgment highlights critical gaps in Nigeria's emergency healthcare response.
The incident comes against the backdrop of Nanyah's death, where the talented singer reportedly rushed to a hospital immediately after being bitten but did not survive. While the specific circumstances of her case remain unclear, Christabel's account suggests systemic issues that may affect multiple snakebite victims across Nigeria.
Public Reactions and Growing Concerns
Nigerians have expressed outrage and concern over Christabel's revelation, with many sharing similar fears about the healthcare system. Facebook user Krizz Ibeh commented: "They can't waste it on you. They actually said that??? The most dangerous thing that can happen to anybody now isn't being kidnapped or robbed again. It's to be at the mercy of the Nigerian healthcare system because what's with the stories I'm hearing these days."
Other social media users shared their own trauma related to snake encounters. Igwe Glory wrote about losing sleep over snake fears, while Aanu Oluwa Po expressed ongoing trauma from any crawling creatures. These reactions underscore the psychological toll that such incidents take on survivors and the broader community.
Broader Context of Snakebite Management in Nigeria
This incident raises serious questions about snakebite management protocols in Nigerian healthcare facilities. The demand that patients produce the actual snake for identification before receiving anti-venom appears particularly problematic, as many victims cannot safely capture or identify the snake that bit them during the critical window for treatment.
Christabel concluded her post with sobering advice: "As a Nigerian, protect yourself. The best treatment you can ever get is prevention." Her words highlight the grim reality that many Nigerians face when relying on the healthcare system during emergencies.
The story has sparked renewed discussions about healthcare accessibility, emergency response protocols, and the need for better training and resources in Nigerian medical facilities to handle snakebite cases effectively.
