New Delhi: Snakebites remain a critical public health issue in India, causing nearly 50,000 deaths annually out of an estimated 3–4 million cases. With the country accounting for half of the global snakebite fatalities, the true burden often goes unreported. To tackle this challenge, the Ministry of Health has directed all states to classify snakebite cases and deaths as a “notifiable disease” under public health legislation.
In a letter, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava emphasized the urgent need for robust surveillance systems to monitor snakebite incidents and fatalities. This move aims to enhance clinical management, allocate resources efficiently, and implement preventive measures, with the overarching goal of halving snakebite-related deaths by 2030.
National Action Plan for Snakebite Control
The Health Ministry has launched the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE) in collaboration with stakeholders. The plan focuses on:
- Identifying high-risk areas.
- Understanding factors contributing to fatalities.
- Optimizing the distribution and use of antivenom serums.
Mandatory reporting of snakebite cases will provide crucial data to map hotspots, assess demographic vulnerabilities, and evaluate treatment protocols. This initiative is particularly vital for populations at greater risk, such as farmers and tribal communities.
Industry and Healthcare Collaboration
Leaders in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors have welcomed the government’s directive. Alok Khettry, COO of Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited (BSV), hailed it as a pivotal step in addressing underreporting. BSV, a major producer of anti-snake venom (ASV) serums, is actively working with state governments, NGOs, and healthcare providers to improve access to treatment.
“Our SERPENT app aids in reporting snakebite cases, locating equipped healthcare facilities, and connecting patients with resources for timely care,” Khettry explained, highlighting the role of technology in bridging treatment gaps.
Bridging Treatment Challenges
Despite advancements, many snakebite cases remain unreported due to reliance on traditional remedies or limited access to healthcare in rural areas. Dr. Anita Mathew, Infectious Disease Specialist at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, underscored the importance of standardized treatment protocols and improved infrastructure.
“This mandate is a vital step toward mitigating snakebite risks. It requires training healthcare personnel, equipping facilities with sufficient antivenom supplies, and ensuring streamlined treatment approaches across urban and rural settings,” Dr. Mathew said.
Global and National Efforts
Recognized as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2017, snakebite envenoming has a significant public health impact. In India, the “big four” venomous snakes—common krait, Indian cobra, Russell’s viper, and saw-scaled viper—cause 90% of cases.
With the Health Ministry’s directive and collaboration among stakeholders, India is poised to address this neglected crisis. Enhanced surveillance, improved treatment accessibility, and prevention measures are expected to significantly reduce mortality and improve health outcomes.
This initiative marks a transformative milestone in India’s public health efforts, offering hope for a more prepared healthcare system to combat the challenges of snakebite envenoming.
