Anti-venom vaccine will be provided at PHCs: Minister

Shimla, August 28

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dhani Ram Shandil today said anti-venom vaccines would be made available in all primary health centres (PHCs) and in all 108 Ambulances across the state.

The issue of unavailability of anti-venom vaccine in government institutions was raised by Shahpur legislator Kewal Pathania under Rule 62 in the Vidhan Sabha today. “A total of four deaths had taken place in Kangra district due to snake bite in the last six months,” Pathania said.

The minister said it would be ensured that the anti-venom vaccine is available in all 108 Ambulances so that any person who is bitten by a snake can be administered the vaccine at the earliest. He said the government would ensure that there was no shortage of anti-venom vaccine in all the hospitals and the facility of storing them under very low temperatures will be created.

Intervening in the matter, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the ICMR had undertaken a study to find out the snake endemic areas in the state. “The study indicated that places along the rivers in warm areas are inhabited by snakes,” he said. He said the vaccine would be made available in all health institutions. Besides, the para medical staff would be trained to administer it.

The Chief Minister said the issue of providing relief for snake bite death, for which there is no provision presently will be considered in consultation with the Revenue Minister.

Shandil said even now 473 viles of anti-venom vaccine were available in Dharamsala hospital. He also assured that efforts would be made to fill all vacancies in the department and 200 posts of doctors will be filled to ensure quality health services at the doorstep of the people, especially in rural and far-flung areas.