Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Government of Goa has officially declared snakebite cases and snakebite-related deaths as a notifiable disease across the state, in a move aimed at strengthening surveillance, reporting and emergency response.
The notification was issued by Dr. Pooja M. Madkaikar, Under Secretary (Health-II), under Section 57 of the Goa Public Health Act, 1985 (Goa Act 25 of 1985). The order applies to Part II of Chapter VII of the Act and covers the entire State of Goa.
Under the notification, medical practitioners, hospitals and healthcare facilities, including those in the private and public sectors, will be required to report cases of snakebite and deaths resulting from snakebite to the public health authorities.
The move is expected to improve the accuracy of data on snakebite incidents and fatalities across Goa, helping authorities identify areas where the incidence of snakebites is higher.
The health department can also use the data to plan and optimise the availability and distribution of anti-snake venom (ASV), along with other emergency medical supplies and services.
The notification is further expected to help authorities strengthen emergency response mechanisms, identify high-risk geographical areas and undertake targeted public awareness measures to reduce snakebite-related deaths and complications.
