Snakebites have long been a danger in India, yet the country continues to struggle with the availability of proper treatment. Every year, nearly 58,000 people lose their lives due to venomous snakebites, making India the global epicentre of snakebite deaths. Despite this staggering statistic, anti-venom which is a crucial life-saving treatment remains scarce in many parts of the country, especially in rural areas where the risk of snake encounters is the highest.

Recognizing this crisis, the Supreme Court of India has stepped in, urging the central government to take immediate action. The apex court has emphasized that snakebites are a nationwide issue and that a coordinated effort between the Centre and the states is needed to ensure that anti-venom is readily available in medical facilities across India. But will this intervention lead to real change? Or will snakebite victims continue to face a deadly race against time?

Snakebites are not just isolated incidents; they represent a major public health emergency in India. The country is home to over 300 species of snakes, of which 60 are venomous. The so-called “Big Four” snakes like the Indian cobra, Russell’s viper, the common krait, and the saw-scaled viper are responsible for the majority of fatalities.

While urban India may rarely experience snakebite cases, rural areas bear the brunt of this crisis. Farmers, labourers, and villagers who work in fields or live near forests are at the highest risk. However, when they get bitten, life-saving treatment is often miles away. In many cases, victims have to travel long distances to find a hospital that has anti-venom, and by the time they reach medical help, it is often too late.

The Supreme Court’s recent intervention highlights the severe shortage of anti-venom in India. Anti-venom, also known as polyvenom, is the only effective treatment for venomous snakebites. Yet, its availability remains inconsistent and unreliable, particularly in rural government hospitals and primary health centers.

One of the key reasons behind this shortage is poor distribution and supply chain management. While India produces anti-venom, the stocks are often limited or not delivered efficiently to areas where they are most needed. Additionally, many hospitals and health centers lack trained medical professionals who know how to properly administer anti-venom.

Time is critical in treating snakebites. Every minute that passes without anti-venom increases the chances of severe complications or death. Unfortunately, in many parts of India, victims experience delays in accessing treatment due to:

•    Lack of nearby hospitals stocked with anti-venom
•    Transportation challenges in rural areas
•    Misdiagnosis or improper treatment by untrained medical staff
•    Reluctance of patients to seek medical help due to traditional beliefs and superstitions
As a result, thousands of lives are lost not because treatment doesn’t exist, but because it isn’t available when and where it’s needed most.

Recognizing the severity of the problem, the Supreme Court has urged the central government to collaborate with state governments and take immediate action to address the snakebite crisis. The court has suggested:

1.    Ensuring the availability of anti-venom in all government hospitals and medical centers.

2.    Conducting nationwide awareness campaigns to educate people about snakebite prevention and the importance of seeking medical treatment.

3.    Training doctors and healthcare workers to improve snakebite management and reduce fatalities.

4.    Setting up specialized snakebite treatment centers in high-risk regions.

5.    Developing better infrastructure to improve transportation for patients in rural areas.

The Centre has assured the court that it will present a detailed report on the steps taken to address the issue. However, the real challenge lies in translating these promises into action.

The Supreme Court’s intervention is especially important for rural India, where snakebites are not just a medical issue but also a socio-economic one. Most victims come from poor farming communities. When a farmer or labourer gets bitten, the cost of treatment, lost wages, and potential disability can push families deeper into poverty.

Moreover, the lack of public awareness about snakebites means that many people still rely on traditional healers or unscientific remedies, which waste precious time and often lead to fatal consequences.

To truly address the problem, public education needs to be a key part of the solution. People need to be aware of:

•    What to do immediately after a snakebite
•    Why anti-venom is the only effective treatment
•    Which hospitals have anti-venom stocks
•    How to prevent snakebites in high-risk areas

India is not the only country dealing with a high number of snakebites, but it has one of the worst mortality rates in the world. Countries like Thailand and Sri Lanka have successfully reduced snakebite deaths through better healthcare infrastructure, faster emergency response, and widespread awareness campaigns.

For example, Sri Lanka has snakebite treatment units in most hospitals, ensuring that victims receive immediate care. Thailand has developed specialized mobile snakebite treatment teams, which can quickly reach remote areas.

India, with its vast rural population, needs a similar, decentralized approach to ensuring that anti-venom and trained medical staff are available in every district hospital and rural health centre.

While improving treatment facilities is crucial, prevention should also be a priority. Simple measures can significantly reduce the risk of snakebites, such as:

1.    Wearing protective footwear while working in fields or forests
2.    Using torches at night to avoid stepping on snakes
3.    Keeping surroundings clean to prevent snakes from hiding in homes
4.    Educating farmers and rural communities about safe practices

Governments, NGOs, and community leaders must work together to promote these low-cost, high-impact prevention strategies.

Snakebites have been neglected for far too long, but the Supreme Court’s recent intervention could mark a turning point in India’s fight against this silent epidemic. However, real change will only happen if the government moves beyond policy discussions and implements concrete, life-saving measures.

India cannot afford to lose 58,000 lives every year to a treatable condition. By ensuring the widespread availability of anti-venom, improving medical training, raising awareness, and enhancing prevention efforts, the country can dramatically reduce snakebite fatalities and provide much-needed relief to its most vulnerable communities