Guwahati, 21st June: In response to a recent surge in snake bite cases, authorities in Bajali district have launched extensive awareness campaigns aimed at educating both the public and healthcare professionals on preventive measures and effective treatment protocols. The initiative comes in the aftermath of the tragic demise of Joa, a former teacher from Bajali, who lost her life to a snake bite.
Prompted by this incident, the district president of Bajali appealed to the district commissioner to intensify efforts in raising awareness about the dangers of snake bites. In swift response, the Bajali district administration collaborated with the team from Shaheed Rauta Madan Civil Hospital to organize a special awareness meeting.
During the meeting, experts highlighted the peril posed by various snake species, emphasizing that bites from highly venomous snakes like the King Cobra can prove fatal within minutes without immediate medical intervention. They also cautioned against underestimating seemingly harmless snakes, as bites from water snakes can also be hazardous. Despite these risks, experts reassured that timely medical attention can significantly increase survival rates, even for bites from venomous cobras and the deadly Guala snake (Banded krait).
Recent statistics underscored the severity of the issue in Assam, with over 100 snake bite-related deaths reported in 2022, 37 in 2023, and seven fatalities recorded so far in 2024.
Officials stressed that effective treatment does not necessarily require intensive care unit (ICU) or ventilation facilities and can be adequately managed in rural hospitals.
To bolster awareness further, a seminar was conducted at Pathshala’s Harimandir premises, organized jointly by the Pathshala Government Health Centre and the Pathshala Market Committee. The seminar focused on educating attendees about immediate steps to take following a snake bite.
Additionally, a specialized training camp led by Dr. Surjit Giri of Sivasagar Dimou Hospital was held in Assam, where doctors and nurses from the Pathshala Government Health Centre received crucial training in snake bite treatment protocols.
These comprehensive efforts, spearheaded under the guidance of Bajali District Commissioner Mridul Kumar Das, aim to mitigate the threat of snake bites through enhanced awareness and preparedness across the district.