HT Correspondent
DEMOW, Jan 7: In a remarkable achievement, Demow Model Hospital in Demow Konwar Dehingia has recorded zero snakebite deaths for the fourth consecutive year from 2021 to 2024. The hospital celebrated this milestone on Monday with a special programme.
The success is largely credited to the dedicated efforts of Dr Surajit Giri, an anaesthesiologist and snakebite specialist at the hospital, and his team. Dr Giri highlighted that the hospital treated 863 snakebite patients in 2024 alone, all of whom recovered successfully. He emphasized that the key to their success is the immediate admission of snakebite victims and the timely administration of anti-venom.
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“We have consistently appealed to the public to bring snakebite patients to the hospital without delay, and this prompt response has saved lives,” Dr Giri stated. He added that while Australia has more venomous snakes than India, Demow Model Hospital’s approach to handling snakebite emergencies has set a benchmark.
The celebration was held on the first floor of the hospital, presided over by Dr Rupam Borkakoty, deputy superintendent of Demow Model Hospital. Dr SA Laskar, state nodal officer of the Snake Bite Treatment Programme under the National Health Mission, Dispur, was present as the chief guest. Dr Laskar lauded the hospital’s consistent efforts, calling it a “model for snakebite treatment” in Assam. He also mentioned that a state-level training programme on snakebite treatment was conducted in Guwahati in 2024, where 650 medical officers were trained.
The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony, inaugurated by Dr Laskar. Gifts were presented to the nurses and health workers of the hospital in recognition of their contributions. The programme saw the participation of several dignitaries, including Dr Gayatri Senapoti, district nodal officer, as well as doctors, nurses, media personnel, and snakebite survivors.
