JIST

Abstract

Snakebite is a common seasonal medical emergency in India. Due to lack of accurate statistics it is difficult to ascertain the real magnitude of the problem. Snakebite causes considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide and India remains amongst the group of countries with very high mortality. The highest burden exists among poor rural communities because of dense population, agricultural activity, exposure to venomous snake species, and lack of basic healthcare.

Snakebite is one of the the most neglected health issues in India and therefore certain aspects need to be addressed and appropriate interventions devised to prevent deaths right from the time of snakebite to inpatient hospital treatment, discharge, and follow-up. In addition, joint effort by researchers, policy makers and regional health authorities can go a long way in improving outcome.