Amrita Hospital Launches Action Plan to Prevent Snakebite Deaths

KOCHI:
In response to the increasing number of snakebite-related deaths in the state, Amrita Hospital has initiated an action plan. The project aims to integrate all government agencies, including family health centers and the forest department, as well as private hospitals and research institutions.

Over the past ten years, 904 deaths have occurred due to human-wildlife conflicts, of which 574 were caused by snakebites. The primary goal of this initiative is to reduce this number significantly. To achieve this, all relevant stakeholders, including family health centers, the forest department, private hospitals, and research institutions, will be brought together.

The ultimate objective of the project is to bring snakebite-related deaths to zero. As part of the first phase, a one-day workshop was conducted at Amrita Hospital, Kochi.

Dr. Jayadeep C. Menon, a cardiologist at Amrita Hospital, emphasized that the project’s goal is to ensure that not a single life is lost due to snakebites. Dr. Shabarish B. from the Emergency Department of Amrita Hospital pointed out that delays and lapses in administering antivenom are the main reasons for the increasing number of deaths. He stressed the importance of educating society, including students, on the necessary actions to take in case of a snakebite and providing proper training.

Every year, the forest department captures and releases around 15,000 snakes back into the wild. The workshop also discussed the feasibility of collecting venom from these released snakes for antivenom production. A proposal, including these suggestions, will be submitted to the government.

The workshop featured a keynote address by Health Department Secretary Rajan Khobragade. Representatives from the Kerala Forest Department and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) also participated in the event.