Central Government provides assistance to the States for strengthening of health infrastructure under the National Health Mission. This facilitates treatment for various diseases and emergencies including snake bites. Health being a State subject, the Ministry has asked the States to procure anti-snake venom serum under National Health Mission after reflecting the same in their annual PIP for approvals.

About Rabies:

• Rabies is transmitted to the humans following bite of animals (dogs, cats, monkeys, mongoose etc.) infected by rabies virus.

• For prevention of deaths due to Rabies, Government of India is implementing the National Rabies Control Programme in the country.

The objectives of the program are to:

• Prevent human deaths due to rabies

• Prevent transmission of rabies virus in dog population

• Mass vaccination of dogs.

• Dog population management

• Strengthening surveillance & response.

To prevent deaths due to human rabies, the strategy adopted is to implement more cost effective Intra Dermal (ID) route of inoculation for anti-rabies vaccines for Category II & Category III bites and infiltration of Rabies immunoglobulin in all Cat III bites in all major anti-rabies clinics of government health facilities.

Source:PIB