ICMR study on snakebites- Highlights

September 1, 2022

To collect data on mortality, morbidity and socio-economic burden, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is conducting a first of its kind study on snakebite incidence in 14 states representing all geographical regions of the country. This study is based on a previous Sri Lankan study, which covered the entire island, surveying <1% of the total population

Key Points

Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura have been included in this study.
The main objective of this study is to generate realistic data on the incidence, mortality, morbidity and socio-economic burden of snakebites in the country to help decision makers in policy making to prevent and control snakebites in India.
All snakebite cases occurring during the period of 18 months (April 2022 to October 2023) in the study district will be recorded. A total of 336 blocks in 31 districts with a total population of about 83.9 million will be covered in the study.
This surveys are also important because geographically the greatest impact of snake bites occurs in tropical and sub-tropical regions, which are highest in India. Global estimates of snakebites range from 4.5 million to 5.4 million annually, of which an estimated 2 million are in India.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

ICMR is the apex body to formulate, coordinate and promote biomedical research. It is one of the oldest and largest medical research bodies across the world. It is funded through the Department of Health Research of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

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