Odisha Heath Dept Issues Advisory to Minimize Snake-Human Interface

Bhubaneswar: As Odisha is witnessing substantial increase in snake bite cases and associated health hazards during monsoon, the Health and Family Welfare Department has asked the CDMOs and PHOs to take adequate measures to manage such cases and raise awareness to minimize snake-human interface.

The Health Department has also issued an advisory for the CDMOs and PHOs.

Preparedness at Treatment Facilities: 

• ASVs should be made adequately available at all DHHs, SDHs. CHCs and PHCs and should be used rationally as per the protocol.

• Adhering to the Standard Treatment Guideline-2017 of Govt. of India while treating a Poisonous snake bite.

• Providing all required tests and drugs free of the cost to the victims.

• Follow-up of patients and timely referral of the victim to higher centre if felt necessary.

• All the drugs (ASVs, In) Hydrocortisone, Inj. Adrenaline, Neostigmine, Atropine etc) should be kept ready and easy to get place in the hospital, preferably in the casualty.

• Adequate sensitization of all field staff regarding first-aid and importance of early hospitalization.

• Daily reporting of cases/deaths in the format annexed here by evening to the state IDSP cell.

IEC/BCC

• To increase awareness about poisonous and non-poisonous snakes.

• About transportation of patient to hospitals and the do’s & don’t’s for the people.

• To spread awareness of the fact that, ASV is the only effective treatment for snake bite cases which is a scientifically proven medicine and is not poisonous.

• To avoid local treatment through un-trained healers/ quacks & gunias.

• Raising awareness about cleanliness of the surrounding and how to avoid snakes.

• Sensitizing about snake habitat and awareness for those working in field, forest worksites.

• The RBSK team visiting the schools should educate the teachers and the students regarding cleanliness of the school premises and first-aid management and early shifting of the patient to the nearest health facility.

• Control of roadents, mouse, frog etc in an around house, hostels in search of which snake come in.

• The heath staffs should take advantage of all public gatherings at district and block level to spread awareness regarding the same.

• To work in coordination with local snake help lines in identifying local poisonous snakes and spreading awareness.