Rising Incidents of Snakebites in Jharkhand Prompt Health Measures

Jharkhand has seen a concerning rise in snakebite incidents, totaling 9,438 cases since 2022. This increase has led the state health department to enforce stricter adherence to official treatment protocols among medical professionals.

The number of cases has grown significantly over the years. From 392 cases in 2022, it jumped to 1,647 with 15 fatalities in 2023, climbed to 2,760 with 22 deaths in 2024, and reached 4,078 cases with 26 fatalities in 2025. As of April 2026, there have been 561 reported cases, according to state health data.

Shashi Prakash Jha, Mission Director of the National Health Mission in Jharkhand, emphasized that all health officials must rigorously apply the national snakebite management protocol set by the Union Ministry of Health. The government recently declared snakebite incidents and related deaths a notifiable condition.

The National Centre for Disease Control's Action Plan targets a 50 percent reduction in snakebite-related deaths and disabilities by 2030. Despite the fear associated with snakes, experts note that only a quarter of Jharkhand's over 250 snake species are venomous. Fatalities are often due to panic, resulting in heart failure, rather than venom.

Analysis indicates delays in accessing medical help and lack of community awareness as major factors in snakebite fatalities. In rural areas, reliance on traditional healers and superstitious practices persists, said Jha. Prompt medical attention—or the golden hour—is crucial.

To combat this, the Health Department has mandated that all health facilities maintain a stock of anti-snake venom serum, now classified as an essential medicine, ensuring it's readily available for those in urgent need.

(With inputs from agencies.)