Snakebites in India and a landmark initiative by the Union Health Ministry

 According to the Million Death Study conducted in India, between 2000 and 2019, snakebites claimed the lives of about 1.2 million people, or roughly 58,000 per year. 

Approximately 90% of snakebite incidents in India are caused by the "big four" crawlers: saw scaled viper, Indian cobra, common krait, and Russell's viper. 

Because victims frequently turn to non-medical sources for treatment or lack access to healthcare, many snakebite cases go unreported. Because of this, many snakebite cases are thought to go unreported. In India, fewer people would die from snakebite if effective interventions involving education and antivenom were provided.

 

Now by formally classifying snakebite as a disease under the National Health Mission (NHM), the Union health ministry has acknowledged it as a serious health concern. It requires all cases to be reported in order to improve management and monitoring. This ruling is a component of a larger initiative to ensure that snakebite cases receive the prompt attention they need, which will ultimately improve the lives of those impacted.

The government's historic move to designate snakebites as a disease that requires notification is noteworthy. The majority of deaths happened at home in rural areas, with nearly half of the victims being between the ages of 30 and 69 and more than a quarter being children under the age of 15. Seventy percent of these deaths occurred in eight high-burden states, such as Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.

A neglected tropical disease that kills people and leaves thousands with permanent disabilities is snakebite envenomation. With the new decision the healthcare system will be able to gather precise, up-to-date data as a result of the disease being a notifiable condition, which is essential for comprehending the scope and geographic distribution of the issue. This will improve access to life-saving anti-venom, optimize resource allocation, and enable prompt interventions. In rural and isolated areas, where snakebite incidents are most common and access to healthcare is limited, such measures will have a particularly significant impact.

 

Even though the majority of snake bites are not poisonous, patients frequently neglect to seek treatment and end up in a hospital later, when systemic complications have already developed, due to a lack of knowledge about the symptoms and indicators of the initial treatment. The lack of anti-snake venom is another significant factor contributing to the numerous issues encountered when treating snake bites. Therefore, lowering the morbidity and mortality rate will be aided by making snakebites reportable. 

The World Health Organization's target of a 50% reduction in snakebite mortality and disability by 2030 is also in line with this initiative. Improved surveillance will make it possible to pinpoint high-risk locations, create focused public awareness campaigns, and set up efficient supply chains for the distribution of anti-venom. Furthermore, healthcare worker training programs will guarantee prompt and efficient snakebite case management, lowering fatalities and long-term complications.

The government hopes to increase data accuracy, pinpoint high-risk areas, and implement better healthcare responses by requiring reporting of snakebite incidents. Strong surveillance systems are necessary to monitor incidents, mortality, and the socioeconomic effects of snakebites, the union health secretary underlined.

 

An important first step is to acknowledge snakebites as a disease that requires notification. Better patient outcomes, training for healthcare professionals, and targeted resource allocation are all guaranteed, especially in underprivileged areas. In addition to addressing a pressing national issue, this declaration reaffirms India's commitment to international health objectives by guaranteeing that individuals who are at risk receive prompt and efficient care.

 

Hats off to the government for recognizing this serious issue and making the right choice. I have no doubt that this initiative will enhance the treatment approach for snake bite victims.

 

A small effort from our end can save a life, so let's come together and support this government initiative by reporting any known snake bite cases to the closest medical facility.