Sun Sep 21 15:42:45 UTC 2025: ## News Article:
**Health Officials Urge Snakebite Victims to Seek Immediate Medical Treatment**
**Belagavi, India – September 21, 2025:** In a strong advisory issued on International Snakebite Awareness Day, Belagavi District Health Officer S.M. Honakeri is urging the public to prioritize immediate medical attention for snakebite victims, cautioning against the use of traditional or unproven remedies.
Speaking at a program in Dharwad on Sunday, Honakeri emphasized the dangers of resorting to practices like treatment by tantriks, home remedies, or rituals. “Some of the common mistakes people make during snakebite incidents can be life-threatening. Such practices should be avoided. Snakebites should be treated scientifically. The victim must be immediately taken to a hospital,” he stated. He warned against tying off the wound, attempting to suck out venom, or relying on mantras.
Resource person Kiran Kulkarni echoed these concerns, stressing the importance of remaining calm, minimizing movement, and loosely bandaging the affected area before rushing the victim to the nearest hospital. “Most importantly, superstitions about snakes must be eradicated. Resorting to magical rituals or taking the victim to religious places is of no use. The only effective treatment for snakebite is administering anti-venom,” Dr. Kulkarni explained.
According to World Health Organisation reports, snakebites affect an estimated 5.4 million people globally each year, resulting in over 80,000 deaths and leaving many survivors with lifelong disabilities.
G.K. Badiger also encouraged the public to utilize the anti-venom treatment available in government hospitals and for students to pay close attention to the information provided by doctors.
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