Kerala rolls out action plan to combat snakebite deaths

The Kerala Health department has issued a special action plan to prevent deaths due to snakebite poisoning, covering various aspects including surveillance of snakebite cases and deaths, hotspot mapping of public hospitals and strengthening of pre-hospital care and emergency services.

The plan emphasizes strengthening surveillance of snakebite cases and related deaths in humans by improving data tracking through integrated health information platform (IHIP), health management information system (HMIS) and SARPA application. Hospitals receiving a higher number of snakebite cases will be “red flagged” and equipped with advanced facilities for effective management. Red flag hospitals will be provided with advanced facilities for snakebite management.