Date : 05-03-2024
Mysuru : In a proactive move aimed at enhancing healthcare services and ensuring quick treatment for snakebite cases, the Department of Health and Family Welfare has issued directives to all Taluk and District Hospitals, along with selected Community Health Centers (CHCs) across Karnataka. These healthcare facilities have been designated as snakebite treatment centers and instructed to make Anti-Venom Injections readily available.
The recent notification issued by the Commissionerate of Health and Family Welfare Services underscores the importance of timely intervention in snakebite cases and outlines guidelines for their management. Notably, snakebite has been added to the list of notifiable diseases by the government, emphasizing the seriousness of this health concern.
ASHA workers have been entrusted with the crucial task of providing immediate assistance in the event of a snakebite and ensuring that the affected individuals are promptly transported to the nearest health center. The guidelines specify that health workers at sub-centers are responsible for administering first aid and coordinating with primary health center (PHC) medical officers to facilitate urgent treatment.
To bolster preparedness, District Health Officers, District Surveillance Officers, and Taluk Health Officers have been directed to conduct training sessions for specialists, medical officers, and health workers within their respective jurisdictions on snakebite prevention and management. Additionally, the regular updating of snakebite cases and related fatalities on the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal has been mandated to enable effective monitoring and response.
Previously, anti-venom injections for snakebite treatment were administered separately at KR Hospital and District Health Hospitals. However, in line with the recent notification, 31 health centers, including 16 Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in Narasipur, Nanjangudu, HD Kote, Hunsur, and six Taluk General Hospitals, have been identified as authorized treatment centers for snakebites, as affirmed by Mysore District Health Officer (DHO) PC Kumaraswamy.
Moreover, nine community health centers across Piriyapatna, KR Nagar, Bannur, Talakadu, Jayapura, Jayanagar, Saligrama, Hullahalli, Tagadur, Saraguru, and Mugur have been designated to provide specialized care for snakebite cases. In severe instances, patients will be referred to KR Hospital in Mysore for further treatment.
With 32 reported cases of snakebites in Mysore district during January and February 2024 alone, the proactive measures taken by the health authorities aim to mitigate the impact of this health hazard and ensure timely and effective healthcare delivery to those in need.
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