DECCAN CHRONICLE (Hyderabad, India) 11 November 13 Anti-snake venom supply curbed (Kaniza Garari)
Hyderabad: The shortage of expensive anti-snake venom has forced the state to regulate its supply to government hospitals and centres, after one district — Ranga Reddy — picked up 80,000 vials, each costing Rs 1,000.
The AP Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation has set a limit of 10,000 vials per month to public health centres, district and tertiary hospitals.
Only one company supplies anti-snake venom to all hospitals in Asia. With production being an issue, the corporation is keen that the vials are not misused.
In its audit for the March-May 2013 period, the corporation found that Ranga Reddy district had picked up 80,000 vials while PHCs in Adilabad district could not be supplied the anti-snake venom.
Standard usage over the last two years showed that PHCs in the state’s 23 districts were supplied 400 to 500 vials in a three-month period. But in the March-May quarter, 11 districts picked 800 to 1,000 vials and 10 districts, 2,000 to 3,000 vials. Ranga Reddy district’s demand was exceptional.
Corporation MD M. Ravi Chandra said the district collector had been asked to inquire why such a large number of vials were needed. He has asked all hospital superintendents to ensure proper use of the vials.
Each vial costs Rs 1,000 in the open market. A minimum of five to 10 vials are required to treat a snake-bite patient.
Dr S. Abhilash of Gandhi Hospital explained, “Snake bites are categorised into mild, moderate and severe. For mild and moderate cases, five to 10 vials are used. But in case of severe bites, 20 vials are needed to be given at one time. These are given free at government hospital but in a private hospital it can cost a lot of money.”
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