Ranchi/Jamshedpur: Marking International Snakebite Awareness Day, Ranchi and West Singhbhum district administrations on Saturday rolled out separate awareness campaigns to educate citizens on snakebite prevention, immediate first-aid protocols, and the critical need for prompt medical intervention.Health officials in Ranchi said 364 snakebite cases have been reported districtwide since April this year. However, no fatalities have been reported during this period.Dr Bimlesh Singh, deputy medical superintendent at Ranchi Sadar Hospital, stressed the need for swift action in snakebite cases. “Snakebite is a severe medical emergency. Timely and correct treatment can dramatically reduce the risk of severe complications and fatalities,” he said. Singh urged the people to remain calm while handling snakebite cases and ensure the immediate transport of the patients bitten by snakes to the nearest medical facility.Detailing initial response protocols, additional chief medical officer Dr Arvind Kumar said, “The affected limb should be kept immobilized, and unnecessary movement must be strictly restricted before moving the patient to a hospital.” Kumar urged people to refrain from using unverified home remedies, rituals or visiting local quacks.In Chaibasa, West Singhbhum deputy commissioner Manish Kumar launched a district-wide campaign on snakebite prevention, first aid and timely treatment. Health workers covered primary and community health centres, health sub-centres, Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs and nearby rural and remote areas.Officials urged locals to keep their surroundings clean, clear bushes, use torches while venturing outdoors at night, check footwear and refrain from sleeping on the floors. Health department data showed over 300 snakebite cases are reported across the district each year. Of them, over 150 cases are reported during monsoon months. Snakebite cases kill five to seven people in the district every year.
