Why Anti-Snake Venom Serum is Essential in Rural Hospitals?

In rural parts of India, farmers, agricultural laborers, and ordinary citizens face a much higher risk of snakebite compared to urban areas. Farming activities, staying overnight in the fields, and exposure during summer and monsoon seasons make rural communities highly vulnerable to snakebite incidents.

Unfortunately, at such critical times, the life-saving Anti-Snake Venom Serum (ASVS) is often not available in rural hospitals. As a result, patients must be rushed to city hospitals. This delay in treatment often leads to tragic deaths.

Why is the problem so serious?

• Every year in India, more than 40,000 deaths occur due to snakebite, most of them in rural areas.
• Rural hospitals often face shortages of essential medicines and vaccines.
• Many patients die before they can reach urban hospitals.
• There is growing fear and resentment among rural communities.

What needs to be done?

1. A permanent stock of Anti-Snake Venom Serum must be maintained in rural hospitals.
2. Ensure regular and consistent supply so that the medicine is always available.
3. Monthly reports should be made public – detailing how much serum was supplied, used, and how much remains.
4. Train healthcare staff to handle snakebite cases promptly and effectively.

The Role of Shramik Kranti Mission

Access to healthcare is a fundamental right of rural poor and workers. We demand that the government take urgent measures to ensure the availability of Anti-Snake Venom Serum in rural hospitals. Failure to do so will only worsen this public health crisis and cause further loss of life.

Conclusion

Snakebite is a medical emergency, but with timely access to Anti-Snake Venom Serum, lives can be saved.
Therefore, ensuring the availability of this serum in rural hospitals is not just a medical necessity but a question of the right to life for rural citizens.

Author: Arun Ramchandra Pangarkar 

Founder,

Workers' revolution: Voice of poor