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Shimla, August 29, 2024 – In response to the alarming rise in snakebite cases during the ongoing rainy season, the Himachal Pradesh government has announced plans to compensate the families of victims who succumb to snakebites. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made this significant announcement in the state assembly on Wednesday, signaling the government’s commitment to addressing this critical public health issue.
The state is currently witnessing an increase in snakebite incidents, particularly during the monsoon, which has brought this issue to the forefront. To provide financial relief to affected families, the government is considering amending the existing Relief Manual. The Chief Minister has assigned the task of studying the issue to the state’s revenue minister, who will explore the necessary amendments to ensure that compensation can be promptly provided.
Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil emphasized the government’s proactive measures to ensure the availability of immediate treatment for snakebite victims. He assured that anti-venom injections are readily available at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and in ambulances across the state. Currently, 473 vials of anti-venom are stocked in Dharamshala, one of the regions most affected by snakebite cases.
However, the issue is further complicated by the shortage of medical professionals in the state, which has been a long-standing concern. During the assembly session, a lawmaker highlighted the tragic loss of two lives due to snakebites, underscoring the urgency of the situation. The legislator also demanded a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased, reflecting the growing public demand for government intervention.
The government’s commitment to addressing this issue comes at a critical time, as snakebites pose a serious threat to the rural population, where access to timely medical care can be challenging. The proposed compensation scheme is expected to provide much-needed financial support to the affected families, helping them cope with the aftermath of such tragic incidents.
As the state government moves forward with its plans, the people of Himachal Pradesh will be watching closely, hoping for swift and effective action to mitigate the impact of snakebites and ensure that no more lives are lost to this preventable cause.
