In a significant public health move, the Karnataka health department has officially tasked its H1N1 death audit committee with auditing deaths due to snakebites, according to a government order dated April 8, 2025. This decision comes after snakebites were classified as a notifiable disease under the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act, 2020, in February last year.
Following this classification, reported cases nearly doubled, rising from 6,596 cases and 19 deaths in 2023 to 13,235 cases and 100 deaths in 2024. In response, the health department enhanced Anti-Snake Venom (ASV) availability across PHCs to district hospitals and rolled out standard protocols mandating an initial loading dose of 10 ASV vials for patients with clear signs of envenomation. Additionally, medical officers were trained in managing such emergencies.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist — including delayed or incomplete case reporting, victims turning to traditional healers, and low community awareness, especially in remote areas. The lack of consistent training for peripheral health staff also remains a concern.
The new order empowers district deputy commissioners to review snakebite death audits quarterly, under existing audit committees. The initiative aims to strengthen accountability, ensure timely response, and improve outcomes through data-backed insights and regular monitoring.
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