COIMBATORE: Due to lack of awareness, victims of snake bites often approach private hospitals and pay huge amounts as fees though treatment is free in government hospitals.
Private hospitals in the city have seen an increase in the number of snake bite victims, even as there are fewer such patients at CMCH, doctors said. Most of them later realise that free treatment is available at government hospitals. Besides, most private hospitals do not store anti-venom. When a case is reported, they direct the patient to get it from outside by paying Rs 15,000. A patient has to spend Rs 30-80,000 to treat snake bite in private hospitals. And, it is the poor who become victims of snake bites more often.
Express spoke to several patients who were treated at private hospitals for snake bites. “I was bitten by a viper on Tuesday at 3:30 pm and was admitted to a private hospital. They asked me to buy anti-venom and my friends bought it for Rs 15,000. I was discharged on Wednesday morning after paying Rs 26,000. I later came to know that treatment for snake bite is free at CMCH,” said Rihan M of Singanalloor.
Sadiq Ali, founder trustee of Wildlife and Nature Conversation Trust, said that he had come across many such cases and urged the government to publicise it.
“A rich man is unlikely to be living in a place where he would be vulnerable to snake bites. Most of the time, the victim would be poor. I have seen many of them trying to find the money for treatment. Because of this, our trust has started helping them. They can call us at any time on 9787257999 for help,” Sadiq told Express.