Save Lives of Snakebite Victims in Rural India

In Pithora, a rural pocket of Chhattisgarh, snakebites are an everyday danger — but for decades, modern treatment was anything but accessible. Most villagers relied on faith healers for help, often under the belief that snakebites were a form of spiritual punishment or a curse.

Faith healers, in turn, claimed up to 90% “success” rates — but the truth behind those numbers was far more troubling. Victims visibly bitten by venomous snakes were often turned away, declared “beyond help” or spiritually marked. The so-called success rate came from only treating dry bites or non-venomous cases, while those in urgent need of medical intervention were quietly abandoned.

That’s where Anjali Health Centre (AHC) stepped in — offering science-based, compassionate care to all.

For years, AHC operated out of a modest, aging building, treating hundreds of snakebite victims who might otherwise have had nowhere to turn. And now… we are proud to announce a major step forward:

AHC has moved into a brand-new hospital facility — more than three years in the making.

This shift is transforming emergency care in the region. With enhanced space, upgraded equipment, and a growing team, AHC is now able to:

• Treat 250–300 snakebite cases every year
• Administer life-saving antivenom, oxygen support, and observation
• Welcome patients from across a 50–100 km radius, many arriving in critical condition

The new hospital stands as a symbol of both medical progress and cultural change. Each life saved chips away at long-held myths, replacing fear with trust in trained care. Yet much work remains — from equipping emergency rooms with ventilators and diagnostics, to conducting community outreach that educates families on when and how to seek help.

Thank you for helping us replace fatalism with hope — and for standing with us as we build a stronger, evidence-based future for rural healthcare.

As part of its commitment to biodiversity conservation and human-wildlife conflict mitigation, the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) distributed snake rescue kits to the Rapid Response Team (RRT) of the Erumeli Forest Range, in collaboration with the Kerala Forest Department. This initiative ensures the safe and scientific rescue of venomous snakes, protecting both human lives and reptile populations.

 Kerala has made significant progress in reducing snakebite fatalities, with deaths dropping from 123 in 2018-2019 to just 31 in 2024-2025. This decline is largely due to improved rescue operations, prompt medical response, and increased public awareness. Certified SARPA (Snake Awareness, Rescue, and Protection App) volunteers of the Kerala State Forest Department play a crucial role in this effort, having safely relocated over 500 snakes from human-inhabited areas to secure habitats in the past year.

 However, snakebite incidents remain a concern, particularly among grass cutters and workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), who are at higher risk due to their occupational exposure.

 Through this initiative, trained rescuers respond to service requests via the Serpent Rescue App, ensuring the ethical and safe relocation of snakes. The rescue kits distributed under the aegis of TIES—which include steel snake hooks, bagger frames, cotton bags, and carry cases—equip volunteers with essential tools for safe handling and transportation.

 The recent kit distribution was inaugurated by Kottayam Divisional Forest Officer Mr. Rajesh, IFS, who received the kits from Dr. Punnen Kurian, Director of TIES. Erumeli Range Forest Officer Mr. Harilal K emphasized the importance of equipping rescue teams with professional tools to enhance safety and efficiency. He also highlighted the need for community collaboration in conservation efforts.

 Dr. Nelson P. Abraham, Vice-President of TIES, underscored how such initiatives strengthen conservation efforts and foster peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife. Dr. Punnen Kurian reaffirmed TIES’ long-term vision of working alongside the Forest Department to advance biodiversity conservation and mitigate human-wildlife conflict.

 Beyond snake rescues, TIES is actively supplying Anti-Snake Venom (ASV) to Public Health Centres across India and conducting community training programs on snake ecology, snakebite first aid, and the importance of coexistence. These initiatives, led by trained volunteers, aim to further India’s vision of becoming a snakebite fatality-free state.

 With continued support, TIES aims to expand its efforts in training more certified volunteers, increasing public awareness, and providing essential rescue equipment, ensuring a sustainable and humane approach to snake conservation.

 "Conservation is not just about protecting species; it’s about fostering harmony between humans and wildlife. By equipping trained rescuers and educating communities, we are taking a step towards a safer, more compassionate world." — Dr. Punnen Kurian, Director, TIES. TIES has successfully completed the distribution of snake kits across three districts—Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Idukki.