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The Supreme Court of India has called on the Centre to urgently collaborate with state governments to tackle the ongoing shortage of antivenom and improve snakebite treatment availability across the country. The Court also emphasized the importance of raising awareness and implementing preventive measures, particularly in rural areas, to address this public health crisis.
In a hearing on Monday, the bench led by Justice B R Gavai and Justice S V N Bhatti addressed the significant public health concern posed by the scarcity of antivenom in medical facilities. The Court urged the Centre to convene a meeting with state representatives to discuss potential solutions to this critical issue.
The plea was filed by advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi, highlighting India’s alarming snakebite fatality rate, which claims around 58,000 lives annually. The petition called for increased access to antivenom, the establishment of dedicated snakebite treatment units, and the launch of awareness campaigns to mitigate the crisis, especially in rural regions where snakebite-related deaths are most prevalent.
The Supreme Court directed states to file counter-affidavits within six weeks, marking a significant step toward ensuring timely action in addressing the country’s snakebite emergency.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are based on the latest reports and court proceedings. The views and opinions expressed are for informational purposes and do not constitute medical advice. Readers are encouraged to consult health professionals for specific medical concerns.
(Source: Economic Times)
