Nepali government to provide anti-snake venom serum

The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) at Nepali Health Ministry is providing free treatment of anti-snake venom serum (ASVS) to 26 high-risk districts in the country, reported China's Xinhua news agency on Tuesday. EDCD is currently distributing the third allotment of ASVS this week, since this season has witnessed the highest number of snakebite cases across Nepal, an officer at EDCD Lat Narayan Shah told Xinhua. According to EDCD, about 15 million people are living in snakebite risk areas. The country recorded 309 deaths out of 86, 066 snakebite cases from 2006 to 2010 in which the fatality rate is 8.2 percent. "Only 10 percent of snakebite cases are reported," said Shah. He said that survival of snakebite victims depends much on appropriate first aid measures and immediate transportation to the nearest health center. EDCD had sent its first allotment in mid-April, second in mid- June and planning to send the fourth allotment in mid-August. According to Tuesday's The Himalayan Times daily, EDCD is providing free treatment from 50 centers at 26 high-risk districts in the country. It also has regional medical stores for emergency supply of medicines to different districts. The government is distributing 7,000 ASVS nationwide in each allotment.