The state government of Maharashtra has made snakebite into a notifiable disease, thereby mandating the reporting of suspected and confirmed snakebite cases and deaths from such attacks to hospitals, medical colleges, and healthcare professionals. The notification, which came to effect on August 18, 2026, is expected to improve surveillance, lead to quick treatment and also help the authorities in planning ASV stock availability. This decision was made in the wake of a tragedy in Gadchiroli, where three tribal schoolgirls had died due to a venomous bite of a snake at a residential school.
What is Required Under the New Notification?
All healthcare institutions and healthcare providers are mandated to report the snakebite cases to the district health officer or district surgeon of the concerned district.
Serious and fatal cases should be reported immediately using any communication system available.
The cases should be reported using the following systems,
- Health Management Information System (HMIS)
- Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)
As well as other reporting systems as may be specified by the government
This mechanism is expected to produce updated data on snakebite cases in the state.
State and District Level Nodal Mechanism
The notification creates a mechanism for the state to the district level.
In the case of the state, the Director (Hospitals) will be responsible for this mechanism.
In the case of the districts, district surgeons and health officers will act as nodal officers. If in municipal corporation area, the medical health officer or additional medical health officer will act as nodal officers.
Moreover, the district authorities will carry out awareness drives on snake bite prevention, first aid and prompt referral for treatment.
Timeliness in Snake Bite Treatment
It has been stated by the Maharashtra government that timely treatment of snake bite cases is important.
Minister for Health Prakash Abitkar has stressed upon the so-called golden hour of 60 minutes after a snake bite. Moreover, the notification has made it mandatory that the treatment should be done according to the guidelines issued by the Center or Maharashtra government.
It was previously considered by the government to create a regional snake venom bank.
State and District Level Nodal Mechanism
The notification creates a mechanism for the state to the district level.
In the case of the state, the Director (Hospitals) will be responsible for this mechanism.
In the case of the districts, district surgeons and health officers will act as nodal officers. If in municipal corporation area, the medical health officer or additional medical health officer will act as nodal officers.
Moreover, the district authorities will carry out awareness drives on snake bite prevention, first aid and prompt referral for treatment.
Timeliness in Snake Bite Treatment
It has been stated by the Maharashtra government that timely treatment of snake bite cases is important.
Minister for Health Prakash Abitkar has stressed upon the so-called golden hour of 60 minutes after a snake bite. Moreover, the notification has made it mandatory that the treatment should be done according to the guidelines issued by the Center or Maharashtra government.
It was previously considered by the government to create a regional snake venom bank.
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