Maharashtra Declares Snakebite a Notifiable Disease

26 Aug 2026

Subject: GS 03: Science

Context: The Maharashtra government has declared snakebite a notifiable disease, making it mandatory for all hospitals, medical colleges and healthcare professionals to report every suspected or confirmed case and death.

UPSC Online Coaching

Snakebite

Recently, the Supreme Court has asked 19 States and UTs to consider declaring cancer a notifiable disease to facilitate early detection and ensure proper patient care.
Declaring cancer notifiable would make reporting of diagnosed cancer cases mandatory, helping governments maintain systematic data, strengthen surveillance, promote early detection and improve planning for treatment and care.

About Notifiable Disease

A notifiable disease is one that is legally required to be reported to government health authorities.
Purpose: Enables disease surveillance, early warning and outbreak control.
Legal Framework: The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 provides the legal framework for disease notification in India.
Criteria for Notification:
- Public health importance at national/state/district level.
- High severity and potential for rapid mortality.
- Communicability and outbreak potential.
- Risk of international spread.
- Relevance to national/international control programmes.
State Role: State governments determine which diseases are to be notified and reported within their jurisdiction.
Dynamic List: The list of notifiable diseases can change as new diseases emerge or priorities change.
Global Framework: WHO’s International Health Regulations (IHR) provide a framework for international disease notification and global health surveillance.

About Snakebite

Snakebite is an injury caused by the bite of a venomous or non-venomous snake, with venomous bites potentially causing envenoming and death.
NTD: Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) recognised by the WHO, particularly affecting rural and agricultural populations.
Treatment: Anti-Snake Venom (ASV) is the specific treatment for snakebite envenoming, along with supportive and emergency care.