VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh government is ensuring the availability of anti-snake venom at all government hospitals and in 108 ambulances to provide immediate treatment to snakebite victims, health minister Satya Kumar Yadav said on Saturday.
Releasing a wall poster to mark International Snakebite Awareness Day at his camp office in Mangalagiri, the minister said nine people had so far been administered anti-snake venom in 108 ambulances, helping save their lives.
The state had recorded 4,111 snakebite cases from January to August this year, with the highest number reported in Srikakulam at 706, followed by West Godavari (369), Vizianagaram (307), Krishna (296) and Eluru (271).
Satya Kumar said snakebite cases had fluctuated over the past three years, with 4,809 cases reported in 2023, 4,573 in 2024 and 2,702 in 2025. Six deaths had been reported from snakebites in the state so far this year, compared with 13 in 2025 and 41 in 2024, he said.
Health authorities advised people to keep snakebite victims calm, avoid disturbing the affected limb, remove tight rings and bangles and take them to the nearest hospital immediately.
They cautioned against cutting the bitten area, sucking out blood, tightly tying the limb with a rope or administering medicines without medical advice.
People were also advised to use torches while going out at night, wear slippers, avoid sleeping on the floor and keep their surroundings clean. They were asked not to attempt to catch snakes and instead contact professional snake catchers.
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