With the monsoon season raising the risk of snakebite incidents, health officials have urged residents not to panic and to immediately rush patients to government hospitals, where free treatment and anti-venom injections are readily available.
Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, Civil Surgeon Dr Sangeeta Jain said, “Punjab is home to several species of snakes, including highly venomous ones like the Common Krait, Russell’s Viper, and Cobra. In case of a bite, the patient must be taken to a hospital without delay. Around 70% of snakes are non-venomous, so people should not lose hope, or panic.”
Dr Jain warned against turning to faith healers, quacks, or self-styled godmen, stressing that they cannot provide medical treatment. “Such delays in seeking proper care can worsen the patient’s condition and sometimes even cost lives,” she added.
The Civil Surgeon advised people that if bitten, the affected body part should be supported similar to a fracture without cutting off blood circulation. Victims should avoid running or driving themselves to the hospital, and items like shoes, jewellery, or tight clothing near the bite site should be removed.
Key symptoms include swelling, pain, bleeding from the wound, breathing difficulties, weakness in neck muscles, difficulty swallowing or speaking, and in severe cases, bleeding from the nose, ears, or throat.
For assistance, residents can call the health helpline at 104 or dial 108 for ambulance services.
