Valsad: The effectiveness of anti-snake venom is influenced by variations in snake venom composition, which depend on geographical factors worldwide. Consequently, the World Health Organization has recommended the establishment of venom extraction centers to mitigate the effects of snake venom in affected regions. In Gujarat, the first “Serpent Research Institute” has been established in Dharampur, Valsad, in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines.

According to a study, an estimated 5.4 million people suffer from snakebites globally each year, resulting in approximately 138,000 deaths, while three times as many experience permanent disabilities. Snakebite envenoming causes severe health issues, including paralysis, fatal hemorrhages, kidney failure, and tumors. Survivors of snakebites often face lasting financial difficulties, disfigurement, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In India, states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal report high rates of snakebite-related fatalities.

Dharampur and its surrounding areas, which are densely forested, host a large population of venomous and non-venomous snakes. The Snake Research Institute in Dharampur focuses on research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and the training of medical officers in Gujarat and neighboring states on snakebite management.

More than 290 local snake rescuers across Gujarat have been trained by the institute, along with over 850 medical officers under the leadership of the institute’s vice president, Dr. D.C. Patel. The institute currently houses over 300 venomous snakes, with plans to increase the number to 3,000 in the future. Venom extraction has already begun, following World Health Organization guidelines.

The institute conducts activities such as safe snake handling, training rescuers with modern tools, providing in-depth training to medical officers on snakebite treatment, and raising public awareness about venomous and non-venomous snake species. It also collaborates with leading institutions to advance cutting-edge research and plans to undertake genomic studies to improve the understanding of snake venom structures and enhance treatment outcomes.

Major Venomous Snakes at the Institute

The Dharampur Snake Research Institute houses four major venomous snake species: the Indian cobra, common krait, Russell’s viper, and saw-scaled viper. Each rescued snake undergoes a health check to identify injuries or illnesses. If a snake is found to be sick, it receives immediate treatment and is placed in quarantine for observation. Once deemed healthy and feeding properly, the snake is prepared for venom extraction. However, snakes undergoing shedding cycles or those with other health issues are exempted from the venom extraction process.

The extracted venom is lyophilized into powder form and supplied to leading anti-snake venom manufacturers in India. This process ensures that anti-snake venom becomes more effective in treating snakebite victims. The institute is committed to reducing the impact of snakebites and advancing venom-related research for the benefit of humanity, stated the Director of the Snake Research Institute and Deputy Conservator of Forests, Valsad (North).