Maharashtra Declares Snakebite a Notifiable Disease After 3 Schoolgirls Die

The Maharashtra government has declared snakebite a notifiable disease, making it mandatory for hospitals, medical colleges and healthcare professionals to report suspected and confirmed snakebite cases and deaths.

The decision comes days after three tribal schoolgirls died following a venomous snakebite at a government-aided residential school in Japtalai village of Gadchiroli district on August 9. Three other students were hospitalised after the incident.

The move is aimed at improving monitoring of snakebite cases, ensuring faster treatment and helping authorities maintain adequate stocks of anti-snake venom (ASV) across the state.

Snakebite cases must now be reported

Under the new notification, all healthcare institutions and medical practitioners must report snakebite cases to the concerned district health officer or district surgeon.

Serious cases and deaths will have to be reported immediately through available communication systems.

The government plans to record the cases through the Health Management Information System, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme or another reporting platform specified by the authorities.

The system is expected to provide more reliable and updated data on snakebites across Maharashtra and help identify areas where the incidence is higher.

New system to monitor anti-snake venom stocks

Healthcare facilities treating snakebite patients will also be required to maintain updated records of anti-snake venom received, administered and remaining in stock.

The information is intended to help authorities identify areas facing higher demand and prevent shortages of anti-snake venom.

Patient records will include details such as the date and location of the bite, age and gender of the patient, circumstances of the incident, symptoms, treatment provided, number of anti-snake venom vials administered, referrals and treatment outcomes.

In fatal cases, details surrounding the death will also have to be recorded.

State and district-level monitoring

The notification establishes a nodal mechanism extending from the state to district level for snakebite prevention and control.

At the state level, the director of hospitals will oversee the programme. District surgeons and health officers will serve as nodal officers in districts.

In municipal corporation areas, the medical health officer or additional medical health officer will be responsible for coordinating the programme.

Authorities will analyse factors such as the location, season and circumstances of snakebite incidents and deaths to develop preventive measures suited to different areas.

Focus on faster treatment and awareness

District health authorities will also conduct awareness campaigns on snakebite prevention, immediate reporting, first aid, timely referral and appropriate medical treatment.

Treatment and management of snakebite cases will have to follow guidelines issued by the Centre, Maharashtra government or other competent authorities.

Health officials have also stressed the importance of receiving medical attention as quickly as possible after a snakebite.

The government has previously discussed the possibility of establishing a regional snake venom collection bank. Officials have also highlighted awareness and timely medical intervention as important measures for reducing snakebite-related deaths.

The recent notification is expected to strengthen Maharashtra's ability to track snakebite cases, improve access to anti-snake venom and respond more quickly to serious incidents.