Health Minister Dr. Samanta Lal Sen on Thursday said there are adequate amounts of anti-venom at all public hospitals to treat the victims bite by Russell’s Viper, the highly venomous snake.
“”The most important task is to take snakebite victims to a doctor at the quickest possible time . . . timely medical intervention can fully cure snakebite victims through proper treatment,” he told a seminar.
Bangladesh Society of Medicine organized the seminar titled “Russell’s Viper: Fear versus facts” at the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Convention Hall, an official release said here.
State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Rokeya Sultana, BSMMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Deen Md Nurul Haque and Secretary General of Bangladesh Society of Medicine Dr. Ahmedul Kabir, among others, addressed the seminar with Director General of Directorate of Health Prof. Dr. Tito Mian in the chair.
The health minister urged all to refrain from spreading falsehood and misleading information about the treatment facilities of the victims of Russell’s Viper.
“We are working sincerely to ensure treatment facilities of Russell’s Viper victims alongside providing proper knowledge about the snake. I hope panic like situation over Russell’s Viper will no longer in the country as all relevant organizations are working in a coordinated manner,” he added.
He asked authorities of all public hospitals to ensure adequate stock of anti-venom for Russell’s Viper bites.
The minister stressed on launching mass awareness campaign among the people for taking proper steps to save lives of Russell’s Viper victims.
In the unfortunate event of a snake bite, follow these crucial steps:
Minimize movement: Do not move the bitten limb. If bitten on the leg, sit down and avoid walking. If bitten on the hand, keep it still. Movement can cause the venom to spread more quickly through the bloodstream.
Clean the wound: Gently wash the affected area with soap or wipe with a wet cloth.
Remove restrictive items: Take off watches, jewellery, or tight clothing near the bite site.
Avoid harmful interventions: Do not prick, needle, or apply ointments or other substances to the bite.
Seek immediate medical help: Avoid wasting time with traditional healers (Ojha). Go to the nearest hospital or healthcare centre as soon as possible.
Stay calm: Do not panic; Russell’s viper antivenom is available free of charge at government hospitals.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen has assured that the country has sufficient antivenom supplies and hospitals have been instructed to stock them adequately.
Certain wildlife species such as mongoose, monitor lizards, forest cats, eagles, cranes play a crucial role in controlling the Russell’s Viper population by preying on them. The indiscriminate killing of these animals has led to an increase in the viper population.
The environment ministry urges the public to avoid killing these wildlife species or destroying their habitats. Protecting these natural predators helps maintain ecological balance and controls the Russell’s Viper population.
