DK DC warns of action against hospitals denying first aid to snakebite victims

DK DC warns of action against hospitals denying first aid to snakebite victims

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, October 13, 2026: Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Darshan H.V. has directed the District Health and Family Welfare Department to take action against hospitals that refer snakebite victims to other hospitals without providing immediate first aid.

Chairing a review meeting on snakebite-related deaths under the Snakebite Management and Prevention Programme at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Monday, Darshan said that providing immediate first aid to snakebite victims arriving at local hospitals was essential.

He noted that cases had been reported in the district where patients died due to delays in receiving appropriate treatment after being referred to other hospitals without even basic first aid. He directed the health department to issue notices to hospitals found responsible for such lapses.

The Deputy Commissioner said that all Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in the district were equipped with essential medicines and facilities to provide initial treatment for snakebite cases. He advised the public to take snakebite victims to the nearest PHC without delay.

He also instructed the health department to create public awareness about the importance of seeking immediate medical attention and to disseminate information through village-level meetings.

District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr H.R. Thimmaiah said the Karnataka government had declared snakebite a notifiable disease. Consequently, hospitals and clinics are required to report snakebite cases to the health department.

District Surveillance Officer Dr Naveen Chandra Kulal said Dakshina Kannada recorded 365 snakebite cases in 2023, 625 cases with four deaths in 2024, and 752 cases with five deaths in 2025. Up to September 2026, the district had reported 527 cases and four deaths.

Wenlock Hospital Superintendent Dr Shivaprakash, officials from various departments and hospital representatives attended the meeting.