Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Darshan H.V. has warned of strict action against hospitals that refuse to provide primary treatment to snakebite victims and instead refer them to other medical facilities without administering immediate care.

Chairing a meeting on snakebite prevention and reviewing fatalities at his office on October 12, the Deputy Commissioner stressed that timely first aid is crucial in emergencies. He said delays in receiving treatment had reportedly contributed to deaths in the district.

Taking serious note of hospitals allegedly turning away patients without providing basic care, Darshan directed the District Health and Family Welfare Department to issue notices to the institutions concerned.

DC urges public to approach nearest PHC

Darshan said Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the district were equipped with the medicines and treatment required to provide initial care for snakebite cases.

He advised people to take snakebite victims to the nearest PHC without unnecessary delay. He also instructed health officials to intensify public awareness campaigns and ensure that information about snakebite prevention and treatment reaches people through Gram Sabhas.

The administration is focusing on ensuring that victims receive prompt medical attention rather than losing valuable time while being referred from one hospital to another.

Snakebite cases rise in Dakshina Kannada

District Surveillance Officer Dr Naveen Chandra Kulal presented data highlighting the number of snakebite cases recorded in Dakshina Kannada over the past few years.

According to the figures shared at the meeting, the district recorded 365 snakebite cases in 2023. The number increased to 625 in 2024, including four deaths, and 752 in 2025, including five deaths.

Up to September 2026, the district had recorded 527 snakebite cases, including four deaths.

The figures underline the continuing need for public awareness, timely treatment and coordination among healthcare facilities to reduce fatalities.

Snakebite declared a notifiable disease

District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr H.R. Thimmaiah said the state government had recently declared snakebite a notifiable disease.

Under this requirement, hospitals and clinics must report every snakebite case to the health department. Mandatory reporting is intended to improve monitoring and help authorities track cases and strengthen preventive measures.

Health officials are also expected to work towards improving awareness among residents, particularly in rural areas, about the importance of seeking immediate medical care following a snakebite.

Health officials review prevention measures

The meeting was attended by District Wenlock Hospital Superintendent Dr Shivaprakash, representatives of private hospitals and officials from allied departments.

The Deputy Commissioner’s warning comes amid concerns over delays in treatment and the deaths associated with snakebite incidents. The administration has called for hospitals to fulfil their responsibility to provide essential initial care and for health officials to strengthen public awareness and reporting.

Authorities have urged residents to seek prompt medical attention at the nearest appropriate healthcare facility in the event of a snakebite.