DIMAPUR — The Integrated
Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) under CMO office, Phek, conducted a
one-day workshop on National Programme for Prevention and Control of Snake
Envenoming (NAPSE) and rabies control at CMO conference hall, Phek, on November
27th.
According to an update, the workshop was attended by doctors
from district hospital, community health centres (CHCs) and primary health
centres (PHCs).
Snakebite is an acute life threatening and time limiting
medical emergency. It causes thousands of deaths and disabilities every year,
especially in tropical regions.
Dr. Wemeri Khutso, medical officer of district hospital, one
of the resource persons, shared that quick treatment with anti-snake venom
(ASV) is crucial, but admitted that challenges exist in the form of access to
care and ASV shortage.
In this regard he informed that a unified plan involving
health and other sectors is needed to reduce deaths and improve treatment. He
highlighted the historical perspective of snakebite prevention and control in
India, epidemiology of snakebite and also the strategic components of NAPSE.
Strengthening of health facilities for snakebite management
at primary health care centres and district hospital was also discussed and the
do’s and dont’s during a snakebite were presented. The venomous snakes found in
Nagaland were also shared.
Dr. Vepfuhu Kezo, MO, CHC Pfutsero, spoke on the management
of snake bite and highlighted the first aid treatment protocol.
The protocol for initial management of snakebite at CHC/PHC
was also presented. The other topics included management of snakebite in
general, severe current local envenoming, ASV administration criteria etc.
Dr. Rebecca Y Sema, district nodal officer for National
Rabies Control Programme (NRCP), highlighted on the aim and objectives of NRCP,
which is to achieve the global target of rabies-zero by 20230.
She also spoke on rabies virus, mode of transmission,
pathogenesis of rabies wound management and suturing of the womb.
The trainees were also informed that rabies vaccine is
available free of cost at the district hospital, CHCs and PHCs.
