On the occasion of Snakebite Awareness Day, Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited (BSV), a Mankind Group company and a leader in bite management and women’s health, reaffirmed its commitment to spreading awareness about the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for snakebite incidents across India.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 4.5–5.4 million people are bitten by snakes every year globally, with 1.8–2.7 million cases leading to envenomation. India carries the world’s highest burden of snakebites, making it a major public health crisis.
India is home to nearly 300 snake species, but the WHO highlights that the majority of fatalities are caused by the ‘Big Four’ venomous species: Common Krait, Indian Cobra, Russell’s Viper, and Saw-scaled Viper. Avoiding encounters with these snakes and seeking timely medical help remain crucial to reducing mortality.
Despite the severity, snakebites are often underreported. As per the Standard Treatment Guidelines (Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India) and NAPSE, only 20–30% of victims in rural areas reach hospitals for treatment. Government data captures just one-tenth of actual deaths, revealing a significant awareness and reporting gap. Recognizing this, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare declared snakebite a notifiable disease in November 2024, making it mandatory for health facilities to report suspected cases.
On this occasion, Sivani Sarma Deka, COO-India Business, Bharat Serums & Vaccines Limited, said:
“As a market leader in anti-snake venom, BSV has been at the forefront of developing and bringing quality and effective treatments for snakebites. Snakebite deaths could be prevented by enhancing understanding, building awareness and educating communities on snakebites as well as ensuring wider access and availability of treatments across the country. Our public health initiative ‘#Saanp Ka Vaar, Aspatal Mein Hi Upchaar’ reaffirms our efforts towards educating and building awareness among communities, using national, local, traditional and digital media across languages.
Noted celebrity Shri. Amitabh Bachchan has also been a part of the campaign and amplified this public health message. On Snakebite Awareness Day, we reiterate our commitment of bringing our lifesaving treatments and urging collective action to save lives from snakebites.”
Adding to this, Dr. Prateek Sinha, MBBS (Hons.), DNB (Pediatrics), FIAP (Neonatology), PGPN (Boston Univ., USA), Consultant Neonatologist & Paediatrician, emphasized:
“It is critical to build awareness on snakebites and ensure that we collaborate with multiple stakeholders and bring targeted interventions amplifying education on prevention, first aid and immediate medical treatment in order to bust the myths that surround snakebite management. There is also a pressing need to address gaps in the availability of snake antivenom and medical care. On this Snakebite Awareness Day, let us work together towards encouraging community participation in prevention efforts.”
As a responsible leader in anti-snake venom solutions, BSV has been actively driving awareness on the dangers of untreated snakebites and the importance of timely hospital care. Its nationwide campaign “Saanp ka Vaar, Aspatal Me Hi Upchar” continues to strengthen preparedness by highlighting that every snakebite requires urgent medical attention.
Ahead of the monsoon season, BSV has expanded its outreach with easy-to-read educational comic strips in multiple languages, on-ground community activities, street plays, in-school sessions, agriculturalist training, radio awareness campaigns, and specialized snakebite management training for healthcare providers.