Mumbai, Aug 19: The Maharashtra government has taken a major step towards improving snakebite prevention and treatment by declaring snakebite a notifiable disease across the state.
Pic Credit: Pexel
The decision means hospitals, medical colleges and healthcare professionals will now be required to report every suspected or confirmed snakebite case and related death to health authorities. The move is expected to improve early response, strengthen monitoring and ensure that anti-snake venom (ASV) is available where it is needed most.
Health Minister Prakash Abitkar said the new system would help make snakebite prevention and treatment more organised and timely. Better reporting will also allow authorities to identify areas where snakebite incidents are more frequent and plan targeted safety measures.
Under the new notification, serious cases and deaths must be reported immediately to the concerned district health authorities. Details of cases will be recorded through government health surveillance systems to build an updated database of snakebite incidents across Maharashtra.
Hospitals will also maintain records of anti-snake venom received, used and available in stock. This will help officials monitor supplies and respond quickly to shortages, particularly in districts reporting a higher number of cases.
The government will collect information on the location and timing of bites, circumstances of incidents, symptoms, treatment provided and patient outcomes. This data will be used to understand local patterns and strengthen prevention efforts.
An important part of the initiative will be public awareness. District health authorities will educate communities about avoiding snakebites, recognising the need for urgent medical attention, providing appropriate first aid and reaching a healthcare facility without delay.
The move follows the deaths of three tribal schoolgirls after a suspected venomous snakebite at a school in Japtalai village of Gadchiroli district on August 9. The incident highlighted the importance of awareness, timely reporting and access to appropriate treatment.
The new framework will establish nodal officers at state and district levels to coordinate prevention, reporting and treatment efforts. Medical facilities will also be required to follow treatment guidelines issued by the Centre or the Maharashtra government.
The initiative is expected to improve coordination between communities, healthcare workers and government authorities, while helping ensure that snakebite victims receive medical attention and anti-snake venom as quickly as possible.
With stronger surveillance and greater public awareness, Maharashtra aims to reduce preventable deaths from snakebites and make the state’s response to such emergencies faster and more effective.