Administering ASV is a life-saving measure, but it can also cause unpredictable adverse reactions in the patient (as it is made from horse serum) for which taluk hospitals may not be equipped. File image is for representational purposes only
Failure to administer anti-snake venom (ASV) in taluk hospitals, apparently because the victims showed no signs of snake venom, may have led to the death of two snakebite victims in Kerala on Thursday, April 24, 2026. However, the incidents have drawn attention to the problems associated with administering ASV and treating patients in cases where snake.bite or envenom cannot be confirmed
The state government has ensured availability of quality ASV in all hospitals from taluk level up. However, as recent incidents show, stocking ASV in hospitals without providing adequate equipment to administer it or providing critical training and building the confidence of doctors in snakebite treatment does not help.
Published – 24 Apr 2026 20:15 IST
