States asked to procure anti-snake venom serum under NHM

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : The Central Government provides assistance to the States for strengthening of health infrastructure under the National Health Mission (NHM). This facilitates treatment for various diseases and emergencies including snake bites. Health being a state subject, the Ministry has asked the states to procure anti-snake venom serum under National Health Mission after reflecting the same in their annual PIP for approvals.

Rabies is transmitted to the humans following bite of animals (dogs, cats, monkeys, mongoose etc.) infected by rabies virus. For prevention of deaths due to Rabies, Government of India is implementing the National Rabies Control Programme in the country. The objectives of the programmes are: prevention human deaths due to rabies,      prevention of transmission of rabies virus in dog population, mass vaccination of dogs,     dog population management and strengthening surveillance and response.

To prevent deaths due to human rabies, the strategy adopted is to implement more cost effective Intra Dermal (ID) route of inoculation for anti-rabies vaccines for Category II & Category III bites and infiltration of Rabies immunoglobulin in all Cat III bites in all major anti-rabies clinics of government health facilities.

The states are asked to organize training of health professional on animal bite management and ID route of anti-rabies vaccination, IEC activities for community awareness on dos’ and don’ts in the event of animal bite, strengthening surveillance of human rabies and strengthening lab diagnostics for rabies. Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare) Anupriya Patel stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha here on December 29, 2017.