Snakebite Envenoming : Notifiable Disease Under The Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939
The Tamil Nadu government has officially declared snakebite envenomation as a notifiable disease under the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939.
- Snakebite Envenoming is a life-threatening medical condition caused by venomous snake bites.
- It is a major health concern in rural and snake-endemic regions.
- It poses a risk to vulnerable populations, including agricultural workers, children, and those living in tropical and subtropical areas.
- Snake antivenoms are effective treatments to prevent or reverse most of the harmful effects of snakebite envenoming and are included in the WHO list of essential medicines.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised snakebite as a global public health issue and launched a strategy to reduce snakebite-induced deaths and disabilities worldwide.
- The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare earlier this year published the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming.
- The plan aims to halve snakebite deaths by 2030 through a ‘One Health’ approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health interventions.
- By making snakebite a notifiable disease, the Tamil Nadu government aims to improve the collection of vital data, strengthen clinical infrastructure, and ensure the efficient distribution of anti-snake venom.
- This move is expected to lead to better prevention strategies, reduce mortality rates, and enhance treatment facilities across the state.
