Deputy Commissioner (DC) S.J. Somashekar has directed all government hospitals in Kodagu district to maintain an adequate stock of anti-snake venom to ensure prompt treatment for snakebite victims.He was speaking while presiding over the quarterly review meeting of the National Snakebite Prevention and Control Programme held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Madikeri.
The DC observed that snakebite-related deaths continue to occur due to a lack of awareness and timely treatment. He stressed the need to educate th e public about appropriate first-aid measures in the event of a snakebite and instructed officials to organise widespread awareness programmes across the district.
He also directed authorities to take all necessary steps to prevent deaths and disabilities caused by snakebites in both rural and urban areas. All Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and government hospitals in the district must maintain sufficient stocks of anti-snake venom, he said.
Further, DC instructed doctors and medical personnel to undergo continuous training to ensure that emergency first aid and treatment are provided promptly to snakebite victims. District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr. Satish Kumar informed the meeting that 144 snakebite cases have been reported in the district since January, all of which were treated successfully. He added that adequate stocks of anti-snake venom are already available in all government hospitals across the district.
He said continuous public awareness programmes are being conducted at the village, school, and community levels to educate people about snakebite prevention, the importance of timely medical treatment, and the need to eliminate superstitious beliefs associated with snakebites.
Dr. Satish Kumar further stated that all government health institutions will be equipped with the required medicines, emergency treatment facilities, and trained personnel. Snakebite cases will be treated promptly, monitored, and reported in accordance with the national guidelines. Doctors, nursing staff, ASHA workers, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), and other healthcare workers will continue to receive regular training under the National Snakebite Prevention and Control Programme.
He also said that the Revenue Department, in coordination with the District Disaster Management Authority and other concerned departments, will formulate and implement a district-level Snakebite Prevention Action Plan. Preparedness review meetings will be conducted before the onset of the monsoon to assess departmental readiness.
The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department will organise snakebite awareness programmes at the Gram Panchayat level and encourage community participation through Village Health and Sanitation Committees.
The Forest Department will conduct awareness programmes in villages located along forest fringes and ensure the safe rescue and relocation of venomous snakes whenever necessary.
Speaking on the occasion, DC S.J. Somashekar also instructed the Forest Department to make the contact numbers of authorised snake rescuers publicly available so that people can seek immediate assistance whenever snakes are found in residential areas.
The School Education Department will organise awareness programmes in schools to educate students about snakebite prevention, safety precautions, first-aid measures, and the appropriate steps to be taken during emergencies, Dr. Satish Kumar added.
The meeting was attended by Infectious Diseases Control Officer Dr. Srinivas, District Surgeon Dr. Nanjudaya, District Health Education Officer Shanti, officials from the Forest Department, and District Child Labour Project Society Director R. Shiraz.
