Anti-snake venom shortage hits hospitals nationwide
Summary
Hospitals and snakebite treatment centres across Nepal are running out of anti-snake venom during the peak snakebite season, putting hundreds of patients at risk. Health officials say delayed government replenishment and rising snakebite cases, especially in the Tarai and beyond, are worsening the crisis.
Key Points
- Hospitals and snakebite treatment centres nationwide are facing critical shortages of anti-snake venom during the peak snakebite season.
- Health officials say stocks have been exhausted in Madhesh and Lumbini, while patients in some cases need more than 20 vials each.
- Snakebite incidents and deaths have risen sharply, with at least 53 deaths and 716 hospitalisations recorded since May 14.
- Experts link the spread of venomous snakes into hill and mountain districts to rising temperatures and climate change.
