The Cebu Provincial Government has secured around 100 vials of polyvalent antivenom to be distributed to four provincial hospitals for free.
Cebu Provincial Health Office (PHO) Chief Dr. Sheila Faciol announced the process of the anti-venom procurement this Tuesday, July 7, in a press conference held at the Capitol Building.
According to Dr. Faciol, the provincial government obtained the 100 vials of antivenom last Friday, July 3, to remedy the shortage of snake bite treatments in Cebu Province. The treatment will be free for all patients in select provincial hospitals.
Polyvalent Antivenom for Broad Treatment
Dr. Faciol clarified that the antivenom procured by the province is polyvalent, meaning that the treatment remains effective even in cases where the snake species is not identified. The acquired antivenom can treat snake bites from King Cobras, Philippine Cobras, and Samar Cobras.
Special Permits issued to First Four Provincial Hospitals
To fast-track distribution and treatment, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Compassionate Special Permit (CSP) to four hospitals under the Cebu Provincial Hospital (CPH) system to administer the antivenom directly to patients. These hospitals are located in Bantayan, Bogo, Carcar, and Danao.
The CSP is used to allow the emergency use of medicines or treatments that are not yet widely available or registered for standard distribution, particularly in urgent public health situations. Faciol also noted that doctors and practitioners from several provincial hospitals have undergone training to properly administer the antivenom to patients in need.
In an interview with PHO Pharmacist Anna Marichu Estaca, she presented the antivenom vials and its diluents that have expiry dates by 2028 and 2030, respectively. The distribution of vials to the four hospitals will base on the demand from their specific areas, including future demands that will prompt extra acquisition of antivenom vials.
The medicine is currently being kept in room-temperature storage at the Cebu PHO before its distribution to the provincial hospitals.
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