Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government is set to get its own region-specific antivenom to reduce snakebite-related deaths in the state. The government has established the Snake Research Institute (SRI) in Dharampur town of Valsad district, which is playing a key role in developing effective antivenom for snakebite patients.

The institute recently conducted an e-auction of lyophilized (powdered) snake venom from four major venomous snake species found in Gujarat: Indian Cobra, Common Krait, Russell’s Viper, and Saw-scaled Viper. These four species are responsible for most snakebite deaths in the state.

Officials said the institute received higher-than-expected prices for the venom due to its superior quality.

“We had set a base price of Rs 40,000 per gram for Indian Cobra venom but received Rs 44,000 per gram. For Saw-scaled Viper venom, the base price was Rs 50,000 per gram, and we received Rs 56,500 per gram. Similar strong prices were received for the other species as well,” an official said.

After the auction, the venom will be supplied to licensed antivenom manufacturers.

SRI follows WHO guidelines; houses over 460 venomous snakes

The institute houses around 460 venomous snakes found in different parts of Gujarat. It follows World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for snake handling and venom extraction. The venom is processed using modern technology and converted into powdered form, which is required for manufacturing antivenom.

SRI operates under the aegis of the Gujarat Forestry Research Foundation (GFRF), Gandhinagar. GFRF is an autonomous organization under the Forest and Environment Department, Government of Gujarat.

SRI is emerging as a crucial centre for research, training, and public awareness aimed at reducing snakebite-related deaths in the state. The institute has established a well-maintained serpentarium.

“One of the key challenges in treating snakebites is that venom varies from one region to another. Anti-snake venom prepared using venom from distant regions often proves less effective. To address this problem, the Gujarat government has set up this institute, which focuses on collecting venom from snake species found in different parts of Gujarat and preparing region-specific antivenom,” said Dr D.C. Patel, Vice-Chairman, SRI, Dharampur.

Dr Patel, a general surgeon who runs a hospital in Dharampur town, has been treating snakebite victims with a success rate of over 98 per cent. He has documented every snakebite case he has handled over his 35-year career.

“The venom extracted from snakes housed at SRI is of superior quality, as the institute follows WHO guidelines. Once we receive the antivenom prepared using venom supplied by this institute, we expect to significantly reduce snakebite-related deaths in the state,” Dr Patel added.

Govt allots 2.25 hectares for world-class infrastructure

To support future expansion, 2.25 hectares of land have been allotted in Valsad district for a permanent campus. A proposal worth Rs 11.68 crore has been submitted to the Gujarat government to develop the institute into a world-class centre.

SRI becomes the second institute in the country, after the Irula Snake Catchers’ Industrial Co-Operative Society Ltd in Tamil Nadu, to extract venom for antivenom manufacturing.

Doctors say venomous snakebites can cause paralysis affecting breathing, severe bleeding, kidney failure, tissue damage, and even limb amputation. However, most deaths can be prevented if safe and effective antivenom is administered in time.

India has a national plan for snakebite envenoming

India is the first country to have a National Action Plan for Snakebite Envenoming. The Union government launched the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAP-SE) in March 2024. It is a comprehensive framework designed to guide states and Union Territories in developing their own action plans, with the primary goal of reducing snakebite deaths and disabilities by 50 per cent by 2030, a press release said.

Officials said the initiative aligns with the World Health Organization’s global strategy to manage snakebite envenoming as a high-priority neglected tropical disease. Gujarat’s Snake Research Institute is considered a major step towards achieving this goal.

SRI trains doctors for snakebite treatment in rural areas

Beyond research, the Snake Research Institute plays a significant role in capacity building. So far, nearly 300 local snake rescuers and over 1,495 doctors and medical officers across 23 districts have been trained in snakebite management.

These efforts are improving emergency response and treatment outcomes, particularly in rural areas. The institute conducts educational programmes, trains educators, and works with local panchayats to dispel myths about snakes and promote safe practices. It has also published a photographic field guide titled Snakes of Valsad and produced a documentary highlighting its work. DeshGujarat