The Union Health Ministry has officially recognized snakebites as a critical health issue by designating it as a notifiable disease under the National Health Mission (NHM). This move mandates the reporting of every snakebite case to facilitate better monitoring and management, ensuring that these incidents are treated with the urgency they deserve and ultimately improving outcomes for affected individuals.
This decision to classify snakebites as a notifiable disease marks a significant milestone, according to Siddarth Daga, CEO of VINS Bio. The Million Death Study in India revealed that between 2000 and 2019, approximately 1.2 million deaths were attributed to snakebites, with an estimated 58,000 fatalities occurring annually. Nearly half of the victims were aged between 30 and 69, and over 25% were children under 15. Most deaths took place at home in rural areas, and eight states—Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh among them—accounted for 70% of these deaths.
Snakebite envenomation, a neglected tropical disease, not only causes fatalities but also results in life-altering disabilities for many survivors. By making snakebites a notifiable disease, the healthcare system will be able to collect accurate, real-time data, which is vital for understanding the extent and regional spread of the issue. This will lead to improved resource allocation, better access to life-saving anti-venom, and more timely interventions, particularly in rural and remote areas where snakebites are common but healthcare access is limited.
This move also aligns with the World Health Organization’s goal of reducing snakebite-related mortality and disability by 50% by 2030. Enhanced surveillance will help identify high-risk areas, guide the development of targeted public awareness campaigns, and ensure efficient anti-venom distribution. Additionally, healthcare worker training programs will be crucial in ensuring prompt and effective treatment, ultimately reducing fatalities and long-term complications, Daga explained to Pharmabiz.
From a medical standpoint, Dr. Shailesh Shetty S, senior consultant and in-charge of emergency medicine at Aster CMI, highlighted that the government’s decision to make snakebite cases reportable aims to improve data accuracy, pinpoint high-risk regions, and implement more effective healthcare responses. The Union Health Secretary stressed that strong surveillance systems are essential for tracking incidents, mortality, and the socio-economic impacts of snakebites.
“Declaring snakebites a notifiable disease is a vital step forward,” Dr. Shetty said. “It ensures better resource allocation, training for healthcare workers, and improved patient outcomes, especially in underserved areas. This move not only addresses a significant national health issue but also strengthens India’s commitment to global health objectives, ensuring timely and effective care for those at risk.”
Dr. Chethan T.L., a consultant physician and diabetologist at Kinder Hospital, also noted the challenges associated with treating snakebites, emphasizing that while many snakebites are non-poisonous, lack of awareness about the signs and symptoms of envenomation often leads to delays in seeking treatment. By the time patients access hospital care, systemic complications may have already set in.
He also pointed out that another key challenge in treating snakebites is the shortage of anti-snake venom. By making snakebites a notifiable disease, the government can help reduce both morbidity and mortality associated with these incidents.
As reported by pharmabiz.com, different types of snakebites, such as those from cobras, vipers, and russell vipers, present varying symptoms, complications, and time frames for symptom onset. Identifying and treating venomous snakebites promptly is essential for improving survival and reducing complications.