Demow Hospital Celebrates Treatment of 4,000 Snakebite Victims

Significant Achievement in Snakebite Treatment

DEMOW, Aug 17: The Demow Community Health Centre (CHC) and Model Hospital has marked a remarkable achievement by treating its 4,000th patient suffering from snakebite envenoming.

Since 2018, a committed team of medical professionals at the Demow Model Hospital, located in Raichai Konwar Dehingia, has been providing care to snakebite victims, successfully preventing numerous fatalities through prompt medical interventions.

Dr. Surajit Giri, an anesthesia and snakebite specialist at the hospital, who also serves on the National Technical Advisory Committee under the Ministry of Health, Government of India, revealed that this milestone was reached on August 7, 2026.

Out of the 4,000 snakebite cases treated, only four patients required transfer to other facilities, showcasing a significant achievement in managing snakebites in rural areas.

These four patients, all affected by krait envenoming, were referred to nearby private hospitals due to the absence of mechanical ventilators and artificial respiratory support at the rural government facility.

Since the program's inception, aside from one fatality in 2020, all other snakebite patients have survived and recovered, highlighting the effectiveness of the treatment provided.

The overall incidence of venomous bites among these cases stands at approximately 13 percent. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy given that the available polyvalent anti-snake venom (ASV) has limited efficacy against certain venomous snakes prevalent in Assam and the Northeast region.

Despite these challenges, the healthcare team has effectively managed cases through early detection, vigilant monitoring, timely supportive care, and judicious use of available resources.

The initiative to treat snakebites primarily targets rural populations and those facing economic hardships, with around 96 percent of the treated victims coming from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

The program's success has been bolstered by strong community support. Patients and their families have developed trust in the healthcare system, leading to early medical intervention. Many individuals arrived at the hospital within an hour of being bitten and were monitored for at least 24 hours, facilitating timely treatment for any complications.

Dr. Giri emphasized, “The battle against venom is fundamentally a struggle for survival, especially for those with limited financial and social resources to combat it independently.”