In a major step to strengthen emergency response to snakebite incidents, a dedicated 24×7 snakebite helpline has been launched in Sivasagar. The helpline aims to provide round-the-clock guidance, rapid referrals, and timely information to help reduce deaths and complications caused by snake envenomation, particularly in rural and flood-prone areas of the district.
The helpline was formally unveiled during a stakeholders’ workshop organised by SARPA Assam, bringing together officials from the district administration, health services, community leaders, and civil society groups. Speakers at the event underlined that delays in reaching medical care remain a key factor behind snakebite fatalities and stressed the importance of coordinated, community-level response mechanisms.
According to organisers, the helpline will act as a single point of contact to guide victims and caregivers on immediate dos and don’ts, connect them to the nearest equipped health facility, and support frontline workers in managing emergencies. The initiative also seeks to improve awareness about evidence-based treatment and discourage harmful traditional practices.
Snakebite continues to be a significant public health concern in Assam, especially during the monsoon season, when encounters with snakes increase in agricultural and tea garden areas. Health officials noted that initiatives such as rapid referral systems, trained medical staff, and community awareness have already helped bring down mortality rates in several parts of the state.
The launch of the helpline has been widely welcomed, with experts calling it a replicable model for other districts. As reported by The Assam Tribune, authorities expressed hope that the service would ensure faster access to life-saving care and contribute to the long-term goal of eliminating preventable snakebite deaths in the region.
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