Free anti-venom in Cebu eyed for provincial hospitals that get permits

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Free anti-venom treatment may soon be available in all Cebu provincial and district hospitals once they secure the permits to administer the medicine.

The planned expansion comes after the Cebu Provincial Government acquired 100 vials of Taradoc anti-venom following reports of snake bite cases in the province.

Provincial Health Office (PHO) Chief Dr. Sheila Faciol said that the procurement will improve the province’s response to snake bite emergencies.

READ: Cebu Capitol acquires polyvalent antivenom for snakebite treatment

“There was a need to procure the medicine,” Faciol said.

Four hospitals cleared to give anti-venom in Cebu

Polyvalent antivenom is used to treat bites from several venomous snake species, especially when the snake that bit is unknown.

Taradoc is used to treat bites from the King Cobra, Philippine Cobra, and Samar Cobra.

Only the Cebu Provincial Hospitals in Balamban, Bogo, Danao, and Carcar are currently authorized to administer the anti-venom. They’ve obtained the permits.

Faciol said that the free treatment may become available in these four hospitals as early as next week.

Potent for 2 more years

Each of the four authorized hospitals will initially receive around 20 vials from the province’s 100-vial supply.

The anti-venom is effective until 2028, Faciol added.

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

The Office of the Governor funded the purchase, although provincial officials have not disclosed the amount spent.

The provincial government intends to provide anti-venom to all Capitol-run district and provincial hospitals. But each facility must first obtain a Compassionate Special Permit from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Awaiting permits

According to the FDA, the permit allows qualified hospitals and health institutions to use unregistered or unauthorized medicines, vaccines, or medical devices for restricted medical use.

Meanwhile, Faciol said that doctors from all 16 Capitol-run hospitals have received training on how to administer the anti-venom ahead of its wider rollout.

She said that the physicians trained on the treatment protocol, including determining the correct amount of anti-venom to give each patient.

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

If a hospital does not yet have a permit to use the anti-venom, it may refer patients to another provincial hospital where the treatment is available.

Island hospitals working to get permits, too

Dr. Faciol said that the Provincial Health Office is working to secure permits for district hospitals as soon as possible, particularly those serving island localities such as Camotes and Bantayan.

She said faster approval would allow patients to receive treatment closer to home, since snake bites require immediate medical attention.

“We are trying to see how fast the Compassionate Special Permit will come out so the patients do not have to travel to the mainland [for treatment],” Faciol said.

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

Faciol added that the provincial government is also continuing preparations for a proposed emergency sea transport system, and is finalizing requirements.

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