Patiala News:Health Department issues advisory on ‘Snake Bite Awareness Day’

‘Anti Snake Venom’ available free of cost in government hospitals: Civil Surgeon Dr. Shelly Jaitley

Reach the hospital immediately instead of complaining about snake bite: Dr. Divjot Singh

In view of the ‘International Snakebite Awareness Day’ being celebrated on September 19, the Health Department, Patiala, has issued an advisory to make people aware of the prevention of snakebite and timely treatment.

Civil Surgeon Patiala Dr. Shelly Jaitley said that the incidence of snake bites increases during the rainy season. He said that ‘Anti Snake Venom’ (ASV) is available free of cost for the treatment of snake bites in the government health centers and hospitals of the district. He appealed to the people that in case of snake bite, the patient should be taken to the hospital immediately without wasting time.

District Nodal Officer Dr. Divjot Singh said that to prevent snake bites, one should maintain cleanliness in and around homes, remove garbage and debris, use torches at night, and wear closed shoes while working in fields or bushes.

He said that in case of snake bite, the victim should be kept calm, his movement should be minimized and the 108 ambulance should be immediately informed and taken to the nearest hospital. He clarified that one should avoid making incisions on the bitten area, sucking the venom by mouth, applying any indigenous medicine or ointment and getting it blown.

Dr. Shelly Jaitley and Dr. Divjot Singh appealed to the people that instead of wasting time on superstitions and home remedies, in case of snake bite, the patient should be immediately taken to a government hospital so that the necessary treatment can be provided on time.