Timely anti-snake venom saves 473 lives in Haryana this year; 1,526 victims treated in five years: Dr. Sumita Misra

Chandigarh, September 19 - Timely administration of anti-snake venom (ASV) has helped save around 473 snakebite victims in Haryana this year, with Jhajjar and Ambala reporting the highest number of cases, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Sumita Misra said.

Dr. Misra said the life-saving anti-venom is available free of cost at all Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Civil Hospitals across Haryana, while its stocks are being continuously monitored to ensure availability.

Over the past five years, 1,526 snakebite victims have been treated in the state, according to the Health Department.

Officials said an encouraging change was also visible in public behaviour, with more snakebite victims now going directly to hospitals instead of approaching faith healers or relying on “jhaad-phoonk” and other traditional remedies, which can result in dangerous delays in treatment.

The department cited the case of a 20-year-old woman in Palwal who was bitten by a snake while working in a field. She was rushed to hospital, immediately administered anti-venom and subsequently discharged after recovery.

Dr. Misra stressed the importance of getting medical treatment without delay, particularly during the crucial period immediately following a bite. The victim should be kept calm, unnecessary movement restricted and the affected limb kept still and below heart level while arrangements are made to reach the nearest hospital.

Watches, rings, bangles or tight clothing should be removed from the affected limb because swelling may develop. The bite area may be gently washed with clean water.

If it can be done without approaching or attempting to catch the snake, a photograph may be taken from a safe distance to assist doctors in identifying it, the department advised. People should not try to kill or capture a snake and should instead maintain a safe distance and alert trained snake rescuers or the Forest Department.

The Health Department strongly cautioned against tying a tight rope or tourniquet, cutting the wound with a knife or blade, sucking out venom, or applying ice, chilli, oil or traditional pastes. Victims should also not be given alcohol or intoxicants, and valuable time should not be lost seeking faith healing.

For prevention, people have been advised to keep houses and surroundings clear of garbage, debris and other material that can provide shelter to rodents and snakes. Those working in fields or going outdoors at night should wear shoes and long clothing and carry a torch.

The department also advised people to avoid sleeping directly on the ground, use mosquito nets, keep shoes and other articles away from beneath beds, seal openings in walls and doors, and properly organise foodgrain storage to reduce the chances of snakes entering residential areas.

Dr. Misra said the department was combining continuous monitoring of ASV stocks with public awareness and early hospital treatment, with the objective of bringing preventable deaths from snakebite down to zero.