𝗖𝗲𝗯𝘂 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝘆𝘃𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗼𝗺
The Cebu Provincial Government has acquired its first supply of polyvalent antivenom, expanding access to treatment for snakebite victims across the province.
𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭
The antivenom, Taradoc, was delivered on Friday, July 3, 2026, 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.
“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 said.
According to Catalan, the procurement marks the first time Capitol-run hospitals have stocked a polyvalent antivenom.
Unlike monovalent antivenom, which targets a single snake species, Taradoc is effective against the venom of the King Cobra, Philippine Cobra, and Samar Cobra.
“Snakebites remain a serious and often underreported public health concern, particularly in rural communities where timely treatment can save lives,” Catalan said.
The four provincial hospitals have trained personnel to assess and manage snakebite cases. Patients admitted to other Capitol-run facilities may also be referred through the provincial hospital network when necessary.
“This is one more step toward a stronger, more responsive provincial healthcare system where no Cebuano is left behind,” Catalan added.
The acquisition strengthens the province’s emergency response capability and expands access to specialized healthcare services.
While all district and provincial hospitals will have access to the antivenom, the current permit for its storage and use is, for now, limited to the four provincial hospitals, as each facility must secure its own permit before administering the doses.
Catalan also credited Second District Board Member Dr. Stanley Caminero for leading the procurement and advocating for the availability of the antivenom in Capitol-run hospitals.
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