Anti-Snake Venom Shortage in Nepal Amidst Manufacturing Challenges
Summary
Nepal is facing recurring anti-snake venom shortages during the summer and monsoon seasons, while a locally planned antivenom plant in Barahakshetra remains stalled by financing and machinery import delays. Experts say the country needs far more vials than it currently imports, as snakebites continue to kill and injure people across the Terai.
Key Points
- A snakebite treatment center in Birgunj recently issued a notice saying anti-snake venom was out of stock, renewing concern over recurring shortages.
- Koshi Hospital in Biratnagar said it managed its supply quickly after the notice sparked public inquiries.
- Anti-Snake Venom Serum Research & Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd. chairman Laxmi Prasad Fuyal says Nepal imports only about 60,000 vials annually, far below estimated demand of around 5 lakh vials.
- Fuyal says his Barahakshetra plant is ready in terms of buildings, snakes, and horses, but production has not started because loans and machinery imports are stuck.
