Snake bites claim over 2600 lives in two years

New Delhi, Nov 21 (UNI) Snake bites have claimed over 2600 lives during last two years in the country, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Anbumani Ramadoss, in a written reply, said deaths due to rabies caused by dog bites in 2005 were 274 and 361 in 2006.

Giving details, the minister quoting the date compiled by Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI) said the number of deaths due to snake bites in the country was 1,501 in 2005 and 1,114 in 2006.

He said the primary responsibility of State Governments was to ensure availability of Anti-snake venom serum.

The Union government has extended technical support and guidelines for the prevention and management of animal bite cases, including those of monkey bites.

The treatment protocol for snake bites had also been finalised for dissemination to all stakeholders, State governments for effective treatment.

In addition, a pilot project for prevention and control of human rabies had been initiated uner New Initiaitives in the eleventh five-year-plan, the minister added.

UNI