Snakebites remain a significant public health challenge in India, accounting for nearly 50,000 deaths annually out of an estimated 3–4 million cases. With India contributing to half of the global snakebite deaths, the actual burden of snakebites remains largely underreported. To address this pressing issue, the Ministry of Health has issued directives to all states to classify snakebite cases and deaths as a “notifiable disease” under relevant public health legislation.

In a letter issued by the Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava emphasized the critical need for robust surveillance systems to accurately monitor snakebite incidents and deaths. This initiative aims to ensure better clinical management, resource allocation, and preventive measures, ultimately aiming to halve snakebite-related deaths by 2030.

National Action Plan Launched

The Health Ministry has introduced the “National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE)” in collaboration with stakeholders, with a clear objective of reducing mortality and morbidity associated with snakebites. The plan seeks to identify high-risk areas, assess contributing factors to fatalities, and optimize the use of antivenom serums.

Dr. Srivastava noted that mandatory notification of snakebite cases would provide valuable data to map hotspots, understand demographic risks, and evaluate treatment protocols across the country. This is particularly significant for vulnerable populations, such as farmers and tribal communities, who are at a higher risk of snakebites.

Collaborative Efforts by Industry Leaders

Industry leaders, including Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited (BSV), have welcomed the government’s directive, recognizing it as a pivotal move to address underreporting. Alok Khettry, COO of BSV, highlighted the importance of this mandate in improving data collection and implementing focused prevention strategies. BSV, a leading manufacturer of anti-snake venom (ASV) serums in India, has been actively collaborating with state governments, NGOs, and medical institutions to enhance access to effective treatments.

“We are committed to advancing snakebite surveillance and treatment. Our SERPENT app facilitates reporting snakebite cases, locating equipped healthcare facilities, and connecting patients with resources for timely treatment,” Khettry shared.

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Addressing Treatment Gaps

Despite significant progress, many snakebite cases go unreported due to reliance on traditional medicine or lack of access to healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas. Experts, including Dr. Anita Mathew, Infectious Disease Specialist from Fortis Hospital, Mulund, underline the need for standardized treatment protocols and better infrastructure to address these challenges.

“The implementation of this mandate is a critical step toward mitigating snakebite risks. It will require training medical personnel, equipping healthcare facilities with adequate antivenom stocks, and streamlining treatment approaches across both urban and rural settings,” Dr. Mathew noted.

Global Recognition and Local Action

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified snakebite envenoming as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) since 2017, underscoring its significant public health impact. In India, the “big four” venomous snakes—common krait, Indian cobra, Russell’s viper, and saw-scaled viper—are responsible for 90% of cases.

With the Health Ministry’s directive and enhanced collaboration between stakeholders, India is poised to address this neglected crisis with a renewed focus on surveillance, treatment, and prevention. By prioritizing snakebite reporting and response, the country aims to make significant strides in reducing mortality and improving public health outcomes.

This initiative marks a transformative moment in India’s public health strategy, offering hope for a safer, more prepared healthcare system to tackle the challenges of snakebite envenoming.

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