Cebu Capitol acquires polyvalent antivenom for snakebite treatment

MANDAUE CITY, Cebu – Treating snake bites will now become more accessible for Cebuanos after the Cebu Provincial Government acquired a supply of polyvalent antivenom.

A polyvalent antivenom contains antibodies that can neutralize the venom of multiple snake species. It is particularly valuable in life-threatening cases when the biting snake cannot be identified or when a species-specific (monovalent) antivenom is unavailable.

In an advisory issued Friday night, July 3, the provincial government said the antivenom, Taradoc, arrived in Cebu on Friday and will be available free of charge starting next week at four Capitol-run hospitals: Cebu Provincial Hospital (CPH)-Balamban, CPH-Bogo, CPH-Danao, and CPH-Carcar.

READ: Cebu City lacks antivenom for snake bites–city vet

Taradoc is effective in treating bites from the King Cobra, Philippine Cobra, and Samar Cobra.

“Through the leadership of Gov. Pam Baricuatro, we continue to strengthen emergency services so that more Cebuanos can receive the care they need closer to home,” Capitol Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan was quoted saying in the same advisory.

READ: Cobra bites: Where to get antivenom treatment when bitten by a venomous snake in Cebu

At the same time, she credited Cebu Second District Board Member Dr. Stanley Caminero for spearheading the procurement of the antivenom and advocating for its availability in Capitol-run hospitals.

Polyvalent antivenom

Catalan said that this is going to be the first time that Capitol-run hospitals will have stocks of polyvalent antivenom.

“Snakebites remain a serious and often underreported public health concern, particularly in rural communities where timely treatment can save lives,” she said.

The province’s four Capitol-run hospitals also have trained personnel capable of assessing and managing snakebite cases.

If necessary, patients admitted to other Capitol-run health facilities may be referred through the provincial hospital network for appropriate treatment.

“This is one more step toward a stronger, more responsive provincial healthcare system where no Cebuano is left behind,” Catalan said.

Boost emergency response

The Capitol’s recent acquisition strengthens its emergency response capability and expands access to specialized healthcare services.

READ: Luzon King Cobra: New species endemic in Philippines – study

While all district and provincial hospitals will have access to the antivenom, its current permit for storage and use is limited to the four provincial hospitals.

The provincial government said each facility must first secure the necessary permit before it can store and administer the antivenom.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.