Eight people died of snakebite in Kushtia district in the first ten months of this year (January-October). Over the same period 393 people were treated for snakebite in the district, 63 of whom were bitten by venomous snakes, according to the district civil surgeon's office.

Doctors at Kushtia General Hospital and several upazila health complexes have had difficulty treating snakebite patients because they had no antivenom in stock.

According to the civil surgeon's office, from January to October 155 snakebite patients were admitted to Kushtia General Hospital, 75 at Daulatpur, 1 at Kumarkhali, 52 at Mirpur, 93 at Bheramara and 17 at Khoksa upazila health complex. Of them, seven died at the general hospital and one at Daulatpur upazila health complex. However, only two died while under treatment; the rest died before reaching hospital.

According to information received by the civil surgeon's office on 28 October, Daulatpur had 63 vials of antivenom, Mirpur 10 and Bheramara 30, but the general hospital and the Kumarkhali and Khoksa upazila health complexes had none. The general hospital authorities, however, claim they have bought more than 50 vials of antivenom from their own funds.

Hossain Imam, resident medical officer (RMO) of Kushtia General Hospital, said the main venomous snakes in the region are the cobra, the krait (kalach) and Russell's viper. Most of those who died were brought to hospital late, and many deaths could have been prevented with timely treatment.

He said a lack of awareness in rural areas and the superstitious habit of turning to faith healers are raising the snakebite death rate. On the antivenom shortage, the RMO said the hospital has bought more than 50 vials from a supplier using its own funds.

Kushtia civil surgeon Dr Sheikh Mohammad Kamal Hossain said the pharmaceutical company contracted to supply antivenom cannot produce or supply it because of a shortage of raw materials. Those concerned are looking into the matter, but there is no longer scope to submit requisitions.

He said that, as an alternative, hospitals will be given a budget to buy antivenom as they need it. Steps will also be taken to raise awareness in remote areas.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.