Lok Sabha Question No. 2137 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Death due to Snake Bites
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Aditya Yadav

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2137 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.12.2025

## DEATH DUE TO SNAKE BITES

## †2137. SHRI ADITYA YADAV:

Will the MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government is aware that an average of approximately 670 deaths due to snakebites have been reported annually in Uttar Pradesh since 2019 and a total of 3,415 deaths have been reported by the UP State Disaster Management Authority upto 2024 and if so, the details thereof, year-wise;
- (b) whether the cases of snakebite are mostly reported from the districts of Sonbhadra, Fatehpur, Barabanki, Unnao and Hardoi;
- (c) if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the steps being taken by the Government to increase awareness, ensure availability of anti-venom drugs and strengthen emergency medical services in those high-risk districts; and
- (e) the details of the public health interventions, training of health workers and community engagement programmes implemented or proposed across the State to reduce snakebite mortality?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OFSTATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE

## (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) to (c) As per information received from Government of Uttar Pradesh a total of 1325 deaths have been reported due to snake bites in Uttar Pradesh during the period 20192024. Reported cases and deaths of Snake bite in Sonbhadra, Fatehpur, Barabanki, Unnao and Hardoi is as under;

| Year- wise Snake-Bite cases during 2019-2024   | Year- wise Snake-Bite cases during 2019-2024   | Year- wise Snake-Bite cases during 2019-2024   | Year- wise Snake-Bite cases during 2019-2024   |
|------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|
| S.no                                           | District                                       | Cases                                          | Deaths                                         |
| 1                                              | Sonbhadra                                      | 1972                                           | 16                                             |
| 2                                              | Fatehpur                                       | 726                                            | 4                                              |
| 3                                              | Barabanki                                      | 2877                                           | 11                                             |
| 4                                              | Unnao                                          | 1698                                           | 189                                            |
| 5                                              | Hardoi                                         | 1709                                           | 61                                             |

(d) & (e) The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with the objectives to reduce the morbidity, mortality and its associated complications in humans due to snakebite is implementing National Programme for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming in all States/UTs since FY 2022-23.

Further, Ministry has launched the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE). It is a guidance document that aims at systematic reduction of Snakebite envenoming risk through sustained availability of Anti Snake Venom, Capacity building, referral mechanism and public education. The details may accessed at; https://ncdc.mohfw.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/NATIONALACTION-PLAN-FOR-PREVENTION-AND-CONTROL-OF-SNAKEBITE-ENVENO MING-NAPSE.pdf).

Under NHM, Uttar Pradesh is supported for the implementation of following snakebite prevention and control activities at both State and District levels.

-  Provision of Anti Snake Venom under National Free Drug Initiative
-  Funds for Capacity building and training of Health care professionals
-  Meeting, supervision and monitoring
-  Information, Education, Communication
-  Protocol for initial management of snakebite cases for Medical Officers at PHC/CHC level has been framed and disseminated to all States/UTs.

To promote snakebite awareness, prevention, and control within communities, the Ministry has developed a comprehensive set of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials and videos. The material include:

-  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.
-  A 7-minute Video 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.
-  Snakebite Helpline Number (15400): The helpline has been launched for five states (Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam).
-  National webinars are organized for healthcare professionals from across the country to share their experiences, discuss the challenges they face, and explore opportunities to improve the management of snakebite cases.

Link for IEC available at public domain: https://ncdc.mohfw.gov.in/snakebite/

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