Supreme Court seeks response from Centre, States on plea to address snakebite deaths, anti-venom shortage

The Supreme Court on Friday sought response of the Central government, States and Union Territories to a public interest litigation (PIL) petition highlighting the issue of snakebite deaths in the country [Shailendra Mani Tripathi v. Union of India and Others]..A Bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan issued notice on a PIL preferred by an advocate seeking directions from the Court to improve healthcare facilities and enhance public awareness about snakebites..The plea said that snakebite envenomation (SBE) poses a significant public health threat, affecting approximately 1.8 to 2.7 million people globally, with an estimated 138,000 deaths each year.India alone accounts for about 58,000 deaths annually, predominantly occurring in rural areas, it was submitted.The petitioner raised concerns about the the scarcity of anti-venom medicine required to treat snakebites."India has the highest rate of snakebite deaths globally, with approximately 58,000 fatalities each year. Despite this much of high mortality rate there is scarcity of anti-venom (polyvenom). Poly-venom do not reach rural hospitals and healthcare centers where snakebites are most prevalent. Many rural areas lack adequate stocks of antivenom, leading to delays in treatment for victims who may turn to traditional remedies or local healers instead," the petitioner argued.The petitioner cited the condition of his own mother, who was victim of snakebite in 2019, and is suffering from the consequences till date.The PIL prayed that the following directions be issued:- Improving Access to Medical Treatment: Making poly-venom (anti-venom) and snakebite treatment available at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), district hospitals, government hospitals and government medical colleges across the country.- Public Awareness and Prevention: Conducting a snakebite prevention health mission and public awareness campaign to reduce mortality rates, particularly in rural India.- Establishing Specialized Treatment Units: Setting up snakebite treatment and care units at government district hospitals and government medical colleges, staffed by specially trained doctors..The plea was filed through advocate Chand Qureshi.