Maharashtra Declares Snakebite a Notifiable Disease; Hospitals Directed to Report Cases
Pune, 21st August 2026: The Maharashtra government has officially declared snakebite a notifiable disease, making the reporting of suspected, probable and confirmed snakebite cases mandatory across the state.
Health Minister Prakash Abitkar said the decision has been taken to strengthen surveillance of snakebite cases, improve treatment planning and ensure adequate availability of anti-snake venom. The move is particularly significant for rural and remote areas, where people face a higher risk of snakebite.
Snakebite is a potentially fatal medical emergency. Timely diagnosis, appropriate first aid, immediate medical treatment and availability of anti-snake venom can play a crucial role in preventing deaths and permanent disabilities.
Following the notification, government and private hospitals, medical colleges and healthcare professionals will be required to report every suspected, probable or confirmed snakebite case to the concerned health authorities.
Cases must be reported to the respective District Health Officer or District Surgeon. Deaths resulting from snakebite will also have to be reported.
The government has directed that serious or life-threatening cases, as well as deaths caused by snakebite, must be reported immediately through the designated communication system.
The information will be recorded through the Health Management Information System (HMIS), Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) or another reporting platform specified by the state government.
According to Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, systematic reporting will aid the health department understand the actual burden of snakebite across Maharashtra and improve planning for the availability and distribution of anti-snake venom.
The data will also help authorities identify areas with a higher incidence of snakebite and plan targeted prevention and awareness programmes.
The state government expects the new reporting mechanism to provide reliable, updated data on snakebite cases, strengthen the healthcare response and contribute to reducing snakebite-related deaths and disabilities across Maharashtra.
