BENGALURU, 10 JULY

The State Health Department has added Anti Snake Venom (ASV) drug to Essential drug list after the surge in the snake bite cases in the State. A total of 5,418 cases and 36 snake bite deaths reported in 2024.

Health Minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao on Wednesday announced various guidelines under the Snake Bite Prevention and Control Programme under that anti snake venom will be available at all Primary Health Care units.

The Karnataka government launched the Snake Bite Prevention and Control Programme in 2023-2024 to prioritise to reduce snake bite-induced deaths by 2030. Rao said, “All government health facilities in Karnataka will provide free treatment to snake bite victims, particularly benefiting Below Poverty Line (BPL) cardholders under the AB-ArK scheme under this programme. Additionally, a dedicated 24/7 ambulance service accessible via 108 will ensure prompt transportation and medical assistance during emergencies.”

Earlier on 12 February, 2024, snake bite cases and deaths in Karnataka were declared “notifiable diseases.” This diseases ensures mandatory reporting of every case both government and private health facilities has been mandated on the Government of India's Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP).

Rao asked to take measures such as conducting medical audits for all snake bite deaths to refine treatment protocols and training sessions at State and district levels. Salar News