Snakebite cases on the rise in state

NT NETWORK
Posted on 2009-04-02
PANAJI - The number of snakebite cases in the state seem to be on the rise. The health department statistics reveal that the cases referred to the Goa Medical College are going up and a similar trend is witnessed in the district hospitals and health centres in the state.
According to the health department, around 1,044 cases were reported in the state in the year 2008. 224 cases were reported in the Goa Medical College in 2008 as against 194 in 2007 while 820 such cases were reported in government-run district hospitals and health centres across the state.
Tiswadi taluka topped the list with 76 cases reported last year followed by 51 in Bardez. Not a single case was referred in the GMC from Canacona in 2008, according to the government records while the taluka witnessed two snakebite cases in 2007.
Apart from Canacona, Quepem and Sanguem talukas which have forest areas, witnessed four and five cases, respectively in 2008, which is the lowest.
According to the GMC statistics on the basis of cases referred to it, Pernem witnessed 8 snakebite cases in 2008, Bicholim 13, Sattari 19, Salcete 12, Mormugao 20 and Ponda 16.
The Margao-based Hospicio Hospital saw the highest number of snakebite cases being treated in 2008. The hospital records showed 166 cases as against 125 cases treated in Asilo hospital, Mapusa.
The Ponda community health centre (CHC) had 88 cases; Pernem CHC witnessed 62 cases followed by 56 cases in Curchorem CHC. 38 snakebite cases were reported at the Sanquelim primary health centre in 2008.
Public health centre at Bali reported 30 cases, Cansaulim PHC 25, Candolim PHC 5, Aldona PHC 6, Betki PHC 13, Siolim PHC 15, Marcaim PHC 15, Cansorvonem PHC 12, Curtorim PHC 9 and Shiroda PHC 8. No snakebite case was reported at Chinchinim, Loutolim, Cortalim, and urban health centres at Panaji, Mapusa, Margao and Vasco.