New Delhi, Sep 8: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to all State governments and Union Territory administrations seeking details of steps taken to ensure the availability of anti-snake venom (ASV) and emergency medical facilities in snakebite-prone areas.
The action follows a complaint alleging that a youth died after being bitten by a poisonous snake in Khandeha village of Uttar Pradesh’s Chitrakoot district due to alleged medical negligence and lack of emergency life-saving infrastructure at the district hospital.
According to the NHRC proceedings dated September 1, the victim was brought to the district health facility soon after the snakebite but was allegedly not provided timely emergency treatment, including anti-snake venom or ventilator/ICU support. He was subsequently referred to Prayagraj without adequate emergency transit arrangements and died en route.
The complainant alleged that the lack of basic life-saving facilities at the district hospital amounted to a violation of the fundamental Right to Health and Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Seeking the Commission’s intervention, the complainant called for an impartial inquiry against the doctors and administrators concerned, mandatory availability of ASV at district hospitals and adequate emergency support, besides compensation for the victim’s family.
A bench headed by NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo took cognisance of the complaint under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
The Commission directed the Chief Secretaries of all States and UTs to provide details of measures taken to ensure mandatory availability of ASV in remote and snakebite-prone areas.
It also directed authorities to identify unmapped high-risk zones, collect data on snakebite incidents and put in place necessary healthcare measures.
The NHRC further ordered an inquiry into the allegations and directed the concerned authorities to submit an action taken report within two weeks.
