Kerala's New Snakebite Action Plan: Mapping Hotspots

Kerala's health department has introduced a strategic action plan to significantly decrease snakebite fatalities. A key measure involves identifying and supporting hospitals that handle a high volume of snakebite incidents, designating them as 'red-flagged institutions' with priority for additional resources and facilities.

To improve treatment accessibility, a hub-and-spoke model will be implemented. This system ensures that remote primary healthcare centers will have anti-venom, facilitating quicker response times. Specialized treatment protocols are being developed for venomous snakes like the hump-nosed pit viper.

The initiative also focuses on community engagement and a 'one health' approach, providing safety equipment to workers and establishing community-based reporting. Extensive awareness campaigns, including educational content for schools and curriculum integration, are planned to bolster prevention efforts.

Anti-venom distribution has been expanded, with 8,456 vials supplied in 2025 to 133 hospitals, and 6,382 administered. Currently, anti-venom is accessible in 151 government and 150 private hospitals. The Kaniv 108 ambulance service is also assisting in transporting patients efficiently.