Mysuru: Snakebite is a medical emergency, where over 50,000 deaths and 1,40,000 disabilities result annually in India. Time is the worst enemy; early diagnosis and treatment makes the chances of survival better. But it is disheartening to note that most victims are the breadwinners of farming and labour families.

The Department of Studies in Biochemistry, University of Mysore, is carrying out research on snake venom pharmacology since 1980. The research contributions made by the University are very significant and are widely acknowledged by scientific community both in India and abroad.

In this background, a two-day National Symposium on ‘Challenges in Snakebite Management’ has been organised by the Department of Studies in Biochemistry and Department of Studies in Molecular Biology on Dec.16 and 17 at Vijnana Bhavan in Manasagangothri here from 10 am onwards.

Eminent Scientists, Doctors, Herpetologists, Manufacturers of anti-venom and Policy-Makers are participating in this Symposium which will provide a platform for all researchers and doctors to deliberate the challenges involved in the management of snakebite complications.

This Symposium will deliberate on the following issues in its various sessions: 1. The epidemiology of snakebite incidents in India. 2. The distribution of venomous snakes in India. 3. Snakebite treatment – Challenges. 4. The drawbacks of anti-venom therapy. 5. Development of better anti-venom. 6. Diagnosis of bitten venomous snake species. 7. Alternate therapies complementing anti-venom. 8. Two documentary movies will be screened (Dead Man Talking and A Minute to Die).

The noted Scientists and Doctors participating in the event include: Dr. R. Manjunatha Kini, National University of Singapore; Dr. Manoj Kumar Bhat, Director, National Centre for Cell Science, Pune; Dr. Vijay K. Choudhary, University of Delhi, South Campus, Delhi; Dr. Joy K. Chakma, Scientist from Indian Council of Medical Research; Dr. Kartik Sunagar and his research team, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru; Dr. Jaideep Menon, Kochi; Dr. Joseph K. Joseph, Kochi; Dr. Dibakar Chakrabarty and his research team, BITS Pilani, Goa; Dr. Velmurugan, Madras University, Chennai and Priyanka Kadam, Snakebite Healing and Education Society, Pune, according to a press release from Dr. B.S. Vishwanath, Organising Secretary [Ph: 0821-2419622  or Mob: 98458-93634].