Lok Sabha Question No. 3511 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Problem due to Snake Bites
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Ramasahayam Raghuram Reddy

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3511 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2025

## PROBLEM DUE TO SNAKE BITES

## 3511. SHRI RAMASAHAYAM RAGHURAM REDDY:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government is aware that snake bites are a big problem in the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government is aware that Telangana has a particularly high number of snake bite cases and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the steps taken by the Government to redress the problem in this regard;
- (d) whether any funds have been allocated for the same and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether there has been any awareness campaign on poisonous snakes and if so, the details thereof alongwith the funding provided in this regard?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OFSTATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) to (c): The Government is aware of the snake bites problem. The States and UTs of India are reporting the snakebite cases regularly on Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP)/Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal. Telangana reported 2479 snakebite incidents cases in 2024 on the IDSP/IHIP.

The Government of India has taken several steps to address the issue of snakebite. The intiatives taken by the Government is at Annexure-I.

- (d) & (e): The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare provides technical and financial support to the States/UTs under the National Health Mission (NHM), based on the proposals received in Program Implementation Plans (PIPs) from the States/UTs. The details of the PIP State/UT wise may be seen at the following link:

https://nhm.gov.in/index1.php?lang=1&level=1&sublinkid=1377&lid=744

Various initiatives taken by the Government on awareness generation on snakebites is at Annexure-II.

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## ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) TO (c) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3511 REGARDING "PROBLEM DUE TO SNAKE BITES"

-  The States/UTs are reporting snakebite cases and deaths on Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP)-Integrated Health Information Portal (IHIP) on real time basis.
-  The Guidelines for prevention and control of Snakebite have been developed under the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE) which may be accessed at https://ncdc.mohfw.gov.in/wpcontent/uploads/2024/07/NATIONAL-ACTION-PLAN-FOR-PREVENTION-AN D-CONTROL-OF-SNAKEBITE-ENVENOMING-NAPSE.pdf)
-  Snakebite related treatment is part of Health System Strengthening (HSS) component of NHM. Support is provided to all States/UT for ensuring availability of emergency medicines, equipment's, transport mechanism related to snakebite and other emergency conditions. To ensure the affordability and accessibility of polyvalent Anti Snake Venom (ASV) at each level, ASV has been included under the National and State Essential Drug List. The States/UTs gets funds for ASV through National Free Drug Initiative under National Health Mission (NHM).
-  To strengthen effective implementation of snakebite prevention and control activities in the country, funds are being provided to states for the following:
-  Training of health professionals on Snake bite management, emergency care, control etc. at State and District level;
-  Meetings for advocacy, inter-sectoral coordination etc.,
-  Surveillance and monitoring
-  Public Awareness through IEC
-  Have provided capacity building to health care providers to equip doctors in all public health facilities across the country with the necessary skills for the emergency management of snakebite cases.

## ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (e) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3511 REGARDING "PROBLEM DUE TO SNAKE BITES"

-  A Booklet on Snakebite Prevention and Control: Available in both Hindi and English, this booklet provides comprehensive guidelines on snakebite prevention, control, and initial first aid measures for snakebite victims.
-  Posters on Do's and Don'ts for Snakebites: Designed for use in the general community, these posters are available in Hindi and English, offering practical advice to minimize risks and ensure proper response to snakebites.
-  AVideo on Snakebite Awareness: Produced in 10 regional languages, this video aims to educate diverse populations effectively about snakebite prevention, first aid, and the importance of seeking timely medical attention.