THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA) has issued an urgent call for the state government to address critical gaps in manpower and infrastructure as snakebite fatalities continue to rise across the state.
While the association supports plans to expand treatment facilities, it warned that the public must understand the grave practical challenges and safety risks that currently hinder effective care.
A primary concern is that the administration of Anti-Snake Venom (ASV) carries a high risk of Anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction.
“In such an emergency, the constant presence of a doctor and immediate access to life-saving equipment like ventilators are essential to manage sudden complications like respiratory distress or cardiac arrest,” said Dr Sunil P K, president of KGMOA.
The KGMOA highlighted that most government hospital casualty departments are currently overwhelmed by extreme overcrowding, often operating with only a single doctor on duty.
Because a high volume of non-emergency patients frequently floods these departments, the association noted that it becomes humanly impossible for one physician to provide the continuous, intensive monitoring required for a patient receiving antivenom.
In the absence of a dedicated ICU or a reliable observation system, administering the medication can actually put a patient’s life at greater risk.
Consequently, doctors are often forced to refer patients to higher-level hospitals to ensure they have access to the expert care and equipment necessary to survive potential allergic reactions.
To resolve these systemic issues, the KGMOA is demanding the immediate implementation of a scientific triage system to prioritise emergency cases and ensure that those in critical condition receive swift attention.
Dr Sunil noted that the current staffing levels are simply insufficient for the volume of emergencies, asserting, “To manage such life-threatening situations efficiently and reduce the pressure on casualties, the government must ensure the service of at least two doctors at a time and create new posts on a war footing.”