Kerala has unveiled a comprehensive action plan to reduce snakebite fatalities, with a focus on prevention, faster treatment and improved surveillance, Health Minister Veena George said on Wednesday.
The initiative comes amid concerns over snakebite-related deaths, prompting the health department to strengthen monitoring systems and medical response across the state.
As part of the plan, authorities will undertake hotspot mapping to identify hospitals reporting a higher number of snakebite cases. Such facilities will be classified as “red-flagged institutions” and provided with enhanced infrastructure and resources to manage critical cases.
A community-based surveillance system will be expanded to ensure timely reporting, while delays in treatment will be closely tracked. The government also plans to reorganise healthcare delivery under a hub-and-spoke model to streamline referrals and improve patient outcomes.
Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs), particularly in remote and high-risk areas, will be equipped with anti-snake venom (ASV) to ensure prompt treatment where access to advanced hospitals is limited. Referral hospitals will also be strengthened to handle severe cases.
Highlighting the urgency of early intervention, the minister stressed that snakebite is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention at the nearest equipped facility.
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Specialised treatment protocols will be introduced for bites from species such as the hump-nosed pit viper and the Malabar pit viper. Doctors will be trained to identify snake species using images, while nurses will receive Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) training to improve emergency care.
The plan also emphasises research and adopts a “One Health” approach, integrating human, animal and environmental health systems, alongside greater community participation.
Preventive measures will include encouraging the use of protective gear such as gumboots and rubber gloves for workers in vulnerable areas, along with awareness campaigns to improve public understanding of snakebite risks and response.
Educational initiatives will involve training teachers with the help of snake volunteers, producing awareness videos through school social media platforms, and promoting public-private partnerships. The government also plans to develop uniform IEC (Information, Education and Communication) materials and recommend inclusion of snakebite prevention in school curricula.
According to official data, 8,456 vials of ASV were distributed to 133 hospitals in 2025, with 6,382 administered to patients. A total of 18 deaths were reported, indicating that most cases were successfully managed.
Currently, ASV is available in 151 government and 150 private hospitals across Kerala, with additional facilities added last year. The ‘Kanivu 108’ ambulance service has also been strengthened to ensure timely transport of patients, with trained emergency personnel providing first aid during transit.
Authorities reiterated that treatment will strictly follow established protocols and urged the public not to spread misinformation regarding ASV safety.
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