Kerala has officially declared snakebite envenomation as a disease of “utmost public health importance,” making reporting mandatory under the state’s Public Health Act. The move follows court orders and long-standing demands after fatal incidents such as the death of young Shahla.
Glimpse:
After years of advocacy and court directives, Kerala has formally classified snakebite envenomation as a disease requiring mandatory reporting under Section 28 of the Kerala Public Health Act, 2023. The decision aims to strengthen surveillance, data collection, and treatment protocols for snakebite cases across the state. The announcement was prompted by repeated fatalities, including that of schoolgirl Shahla, and the realization that fragmented documentation hindered effective response. The High Court had previously instructed the state to act within two months. With this notification, every hospital must log snakebite cases, and the government is expected to roll out standard guidelines, better anti-venom access, and coordination between health, forest, and local administration
It’s a step many have been demanding for years: Kerala has finally declared snakebite a notifiable disease under its Public Health Act. That means hospitals across the state must report all snakebite cases, and the government can centrally monitor, intervene, and standardize treatment.
The formal notification was issued under Section 28 of the Kerala Public Health Act, 2023, and identifies snakebite envenomation as a condition of “utmost public health importance.”
This comes after the Kerala High Court instructed the state government to act within two months, following petitions filed over previous deaths notably that of Shahla in Wayanad.
Better data and surveillance: Until now, many snakebite cases went unreported or inconsistently recorded, making it hard to understand true incidence and plan resource allocation.
Standardization of care: The state can now promulgate uniform guidelines for managing envenomation, anti-venom use, and post-treatment rehabilitation.
Coordination between departments: Health, forest, veterinary services, and local bodies can now collaborate more seamlessly to manage human-snake conflict zones.
Timely access to anti-venom: With mandatory reporting, shortages in remote hospitals can be flagged, and supply chains strengthened.
Court compliance and public accountability: The decision also fulfills the High Court’s directive while responding to public pressure after tragic deaths.
“By making snakebite a notifiable disease, Kerala is beginning to treat survivors and victims not as isolated cases, but as part of a system that can save many lives through early data, coordination, and care.”
By
HB Team
