India Declares Snakebites Notifiable Disease Under New Legislation

Nov 30, 2024, 08:05 AM

The Indian government has declared snakebites a 'notifiable disease' to address the issue of underreporting. This decision requires all states and Union Territories (UTs) to report snakebite cases and deaths under the relevant provisions of their State Public Health Act or other applicable legislation. The Union Health Secretary, Punya Salila Srivastava, has written to all Chief Secretaries requesting the implementation of this measure. This move, initiated by the Health Ministry, aims to ensure that both government and private health facilities report these incidents, making snakebite data more accurate and comprehensive.