Thiruvananthapuram: The number of snakebite cases reported in the district has dropped by nearly one-third, according to the latest report by the Health Department. As per the report, 372 people sought treatment for snakebites between April and December in 2024. In comparison, only 226 cases were reported between January and June in 2025.

The report also notes that a majority of those who approached government hospitals for treatment were men. Officials from the Forest and Health Departments attribute the sharp decline to improved preventive measures.

SARPA app makes a mark
V Muhammad Anwar, nodal officer of the SARPA project, said the expansion of the SARPA App has played a major role in reducing snakebite fatalities. Designed to both minimise deaths and safely relocate snakes that enter human habitats to forests, the app is set to complete five years this August.

The SARPA App provides valuable information, including how to identify different types of snakes, a list of hospitals equipped with anti-venom, and emergency contact numbers. Across the state, around 3,000 trained and licensed snake catchers are available through the app. Of these, about 100 certified volunteers are from Thiruvananthapuram district alone, and around 20 are actively engaged in snake rescue efforts.

Anti-venom stocked in 16 government hospitals
The District-Level Regulatory Committee has directed that all major hospitals in the district stock anti-venom. Based on this directive, anti-venom is now available in 16 government healthcare facilities across Thiruvananthapuram, including: General Hospital, Chirayinkeezhu Taluk Hospital, Peroorkada District Hospital, Parassala Taluk Hospital, Neyyattinkara General Hospital, Vithura Taluk Hospital, Thrikkannapuram Urban Primary Health Centre, Malayinkeezhu Taluk Hospital, Poozhanad Family Health Centre, Fort Taluk Hospital, Varkala Taluk Hospital, Nedumangad District Hospital, Aruvikkara Family Health Centre, Attingal Taluk Hospital, Mampazhakkara Urban PHC, and Kalladimukham Urban PHC.