The Maharashtra government declares snakebite a notifiable disease, requiring hospitals and doctors to report suspected, probable and confirmed cases, as well as snakebite deaths, to public health authorities. The policy aims to curb fatalities and disabilities linked to snake envenomation by strengthening surveillance and ensuring timely medical response.
State health data cited by outlets say Maharashtra records a large burden of cases and deaths over recent years. One report puts figures at about 1.29 lakh cases and 656 deaths between April 2023 and March 2026, with yearly totals varying across 2023-24 and 2024-25. Under the notification, serious or fatal cases are to be reported immediately to district-level health officials, and recorded through systems including HMIS/DHIS-2 and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme or other prescribed platforms.
Outlets also describe governance and operational requirements. Maharashtra appoints nodal officers at the state and district levels to oversee implementation, including roles for district civil surgeons and health officers, with additional municipal-area responsibilities. Healthcare facilities are also directed to maintain monitoring records for anti-snake venom (ASV) stock, including availability, receipt, usage and balance, alongside patient and treatment details, aligning management with existing guidelines.
