The Indian government has urged states to declare snakebite cases and deaths as a “notifiable disease” under State Public Health Acts or equivalent laws. This move will mandate all healthcare facilities, including private hospitals and medical colleges, to report suspected and confirmed snakebite cases and fatalities.
Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava emphasized the public health impact of snakebites, particularly among vulnerable groups such as farmers and tribal populations. To address this issue, the government launched the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE), aiming to halve snakebite-related deaths by 2030.
The NAPSE outlines strategic components, stakeholder roles, and prevention measures to improve snakebite management. A key focus is strengthening surveillance systems to accurately track incidents, identify high-risk areas, and improve clinical care for victims. Mandatory reporting will enhance data collection from both public and private healthcare sectors, aiding better response and resource allocation.
States have been requested to enforce notification systems to improve case tracking, understand risk factors, and reduce mortality rates through timely interventions.