The Union government has called on all states to classify snakebite cases and deaths as a “notifiable disease” under the State Public Health Act or other relevant legislation. This move aims to make it mandatory for all government and private healthcare facilities, including medical colleges, to report suspected and confirmed cases of snakebites and associated fatalities.
In a letter, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted that snakebites are a significant public health issue, often leading to mortality, morbidity, and disability, particularly among high-risk groups such as farmers and tribal populations.
National Action Plan to Reduce Snakebite Deaths
To address this pressing issue, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE), with the goal of halving snakebite-related deaths in India by 2030. Developed in collaboration with relevant ministries and stakeholders, the plan outlines strategic components and the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders involved in snakebite management, control, and prevention.
A core objective of the plan is to strengthen the surveillance of snakebite cases and deaths. “A robust surveillance system is essential to accurately track snakebite incidents and fatalities, providing crucial data to evaluate and enhance intervention strategies,” Srivastava stated.
Benefits of Mandatory Reporting
Mandatory notification of snakebite cases will:
- Provide reliable data on the burden of snakebites, high-risk areas, and factors contributing to fatalities.
- Improve the clinical management of snakebite victims.
- Enhance reporting from private healthcare facilities, ensuring comprehensive surveillance.
Srivastava emphasized that accurate and detailed reporting will help stakeholders better address the challenges associated with snakebites and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented measures.
As reported by indianexpress, states have been requested to implement the notification requirement and direct all healthcare facilities to report suspected and confirmed snakebite cases and deaths using a prescribed format. This initiative is a step toward better tracking, prevention, and management of snakebite envenoming in India.