No scarcity of Anti-Venom injections in Rajasthan: Govt

Rajasthan government today said there was no scarcity of Anti-Venom serum (injection) and no one has died of snake bite in the state, even as 106 deaths due to snake bike were reported from June 1 to September 15.
Replying to Congress MLA Pradhyuman Singh's question on the issue, Medical and Health Minister R S Rathor said treatment for snake bite requires at least 30 doses in a fixed interval of time, and those died (106 people) were due to other reasons not because of scarcity of injections.
"Out of 3,741 incidents of snake bite, 106 people died during treatment, and injections were available," he claimed.

Rajasthan Medical Corporation was constantly maintaining its supply, and there was a need to keep injections at a particular temperature in refrigeration, he said, adding, during rainy season there could be a shortage of demand and supply of anti-venom injections.
Strongly objecting, Congress MLA Singh alleged that the injections available in insufficient numbers as the government had reduced the purchase price from Rs 900 to Rs 450, and private companies stopped the supply.
"Due to this, 91 people (before September 15) died of snake bite in the state," Singh said, adding, for this the BJP government was responsible.
On rising incidents of Silicosis in the mining areas, Rathor said a survey would be launched by the medical department and provide the cure to the afflicted persons.