On Monday, July 29, 2024, Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy said in the Lok Sabha that about 50,000 people lose their lives every year due to snakebites in the country, highlighting that this number is among the highest in the world. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to address the issue of snakebite deaths in India and implement effective prevention and treatment strategies.

The Saran MP brought up the subject of snake bites in the Lok Sabha during a debate on significant issues, stating that 30–40 lakh people get bitten by snakes in India annually. He emphasized that a great deal of death may be avoided, citing the effect of climate change on an increase in snakebite cases at temperatures higher than 28 degrees Celsius.

"Bihar is the poorest state, enduring both poverty and natural calamities. Across India, 30 to 40 lakh people are bitten by snakes and 50,000 people die, which is the highest in the world," Mr Rudy said, emphasising the alarming mortality rate from snakebite.

Calls for Increased Central Financing to Combat Snakebite Deaths in India

MP M Kathir Anand of Vellore expressed his worry over the situation of beedi workers, the most of whom were women. He pointed to insufficient central financing as justification for his desire for a pay raise.

snakebite deaths in India
Image Source: WHO

Anand reminded the Center of the workers' substantial exposure to dust and other workplace risks and requested it to take budgetary considerations into account as well as provide pensions for those over 60. MP Vijay Vasanth of Kanyakumari demanded that the number of recommendations be raised to 150.  He also urged the government to re-evaluate Ayushman Bharat to ensure that all medical expenses were covered.

 "Let us work together to realise the full potential," he said, advocating for improved healthcare coverage. Harsimrat Kaur, a Bathinda MP, expressed concerns over corruption in Punjab's supplementary nutrition program under the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), claiming that funds were beingdisbursed to fictitious recipients via private companies. 

snakebite deaths in India
Image Source: Instagram

Demanding an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the situation, Kaur brought attention to the low remuneration of ₹2,200 per month for 28 lakh Anganwadi workers. She demanded justice for women who relied on these programs and their dependent children. "I want to bring to the women and child development ministry's attention that there is corruption in the ICDS supplementary nutrition programme in Punjab, where aid is being given to fake beneficiaries through private entities," Kaur said, calling for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry.

Tamil Nadu's S Jothimani, an MP, voiced her disapproval of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). "We strongly believe that only those who can afford it can clear NEET as it costs Rs 25 lakh to buy the question paper," Jothimani asserted, highlighting the socioeconomic disparity caused by the exam. 

She claimed that the exam, which cost ₹25 lakh to access the question paper, favored those who could afford it. She drew attention to the socioeconomic divide brought about by the NEET and mentioned that the stress of the test has led to the suicide of at least eighteen pupils in Tamil Nadu. Citing NEET's negative effect on admissions for rural students, Jothimani called for its total elimination.

Nishikant Dubey, the MP for Godda, charged that the state government of Jharkhand was usurping Adivasi rights by establishing "Bangladeshi immigrants" in the area. He described how Adivasis were allegedly beaten while demonstrating for their rights, and he demanded that the state be governed by the president. 

"Adivasis were trying to protest in Jharkhand because their rights were being taken by Bangladeshis and they were beaten in their hostels by police," Dubey said, accusing the state government of settling Bangladeshi people in Jharkhand and calling for president's rule to be imposed

The discussion emphasized the necessity of taking immediate action on a number of important issues impacting many societal segments, including healthcare.

You might also be interested in - Discrepancy of nearly 6 lakh votes in Lok Sabha polls, Uncounted votes discovered: Report