Key points
- Around 50,000 deaths are reported annually
- Healthcare workers struggle to administer antivenom
- Rural communities most vulnerable to bites
MUMBAI: India continues to face a severe snakebite crisis, with tens of thousands of people dying each year due to delayed treatment, limited access to antivenom, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure in rural areas.
Government data estimates that around 50,000 Indians are killed annually by snakebites, accounting for nearly half of global deaths. Some studies suggest the toll could be even higher, with as many as 1.2 million deaths recorded between 2000 and 2019.
A new report by the Global Snakebite Taskforce (GST) found that 99 per cent of healthcare workers in India struggle to administer antivenom effectively. Barriers include poor medical facilities, shortages of life-saving supplies, and insufficient training. Nearly half of the surveyed professionals reported serious complications in patients due to treatment delays, including amputations and long-term disability.
Highest priority
The World Health Organization has classified snakebite envenoming as a highest priority neglected tropical disease, disproportionately affecting poor rural communities. Farmers and tribal populations remain especially vulnerable.
India launched a National Action Plan in 2024 to halve snakebite deaths by 2030, focusing on improved surveillance, medical capacity and antivenom access. However, experts warn implementation remains uneven.
Challenges persist as India’s antivenom primarily targets only the “big four” snake species, leaving many regional venomous bites without effective treatment. Health specialists stress urgent investment in training, infrastructure, and region-specific antidotes to prevent avoidable deaths.
