NEW KERALA (India) 13 November 06 A priest who runs an anti-venom clinic in Kerala

Kottayam (Kerala): Father Antony Panackal, a Christian priest, is running an anti-venom clinic in Puthupally village in Kerala's Kottayam District.

Panackal operates from the Saint Antony Vashachikilsalayam and is both a priest an expert on snake bites.

Father Panackal is a priest of 35 years standing. After the death of Brother Simon, Panackle took charge of the village parish. Later, he did a course in ayurvedic medicine and treatment from the Trivandrum Ayurveda College.

"I was an assistant in the hospital, and after the death of Brother Simon, I took over the hospital. Later I went to Trivandrum to get expertise in Ayurveda from the Trivandrum Ayurvedic College. I also possess a few wild animals and snakes like cobra, pythons, eagles and two wild dogs, which have been donated," said Panackal.

The clinic offers effective ayurvedic treatment for all snake and scorpion bites. Ancient ayurvedic methods are applied to manufacture the medicines at a small laboratory.

Those who have been cured say Father Panackal's clinic is a blessing for them.

"Once, when I was returning from college, venomous snake bit me and people bought me here. I really thank god for father's hospital and his treatment because of which I am standing here now," said Shamna M., former patient.

Father Panackal also runs a small zoo. He is now on the look out for a successor.

According to a report, snake bites cause 50,000 deaths every year in India. Kerala, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are the worse affected states.
A priest who runs an anti-venom clinic in Kerala

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• IND Press: Priest runs an AV clinic - W von Papineäu, Tue Nov 14 20:52:18 2006