Snakebite cases rise in Sarlahi

By Janarjan Khatri, Sarlahi, May 29: Snakebite cases have been increasing in Sarlahi with rising temperatures and the onset of the monsoon season.

The number of patients seeking treatment for venomous snakebites has risen in health facilities across the district. Treatment is currently provided at Provincial Hospital Malangwa, Primary Health Centre Barhathawa, and the Nawalpur Snakebite Treatment Centre.

However, due to the lack of ICU and ventilator facilities in all three centres, treatment is largely limited to anti-snake venom administration. Patients brought late after a snakebite are often unable to survive due to the absence of intensive care support.

Just on Wednesday evening, a three-year-old boy, Aditya Giri, son of Rabindra of Lakshmipur, Kaudena Rural Municipality–1, died after being bitten by a venomous snake in Sarlahi.

According to the in-charge of the Nawalpur Snakebite Treatment Centre, Jagarnath Yadav, patients often arrive late after snakebites, which significantly increases the risk of death. He said that cases involving bites from venomous snakes such as cobras and kraits have been increasing these days due to rising heat and rainfall.

Yadav urged people to bring snakebite victims to treatment centres as quickly as possible. He added that critically ill patients cannot be treated effectively due to the lack of ICU and ventilator facilities.

Because of the shortages of skilled manpower and financial constraints, ICU and ventilator units at the Nawalpur Snakebite Treatment Centre and Provincial Hospital Malangwa remain unused. Patients in critical condition are often referred to Bardibas, Janakpur, or even across the border to India for further treatment.