For the first time in the country, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital has introduced a specialized ward dedicated exclusively to the treatment of snakebite patients, aiming to reduce fatalities and ensure faster, coordinated care.
RMCH director Brigadier General FM Shamim Ahmmed inaugurated the 12-bed high-dependency unit on Thursday, built on the site of the hospital鈥檚 former canteen.
The facility will also treat snakebite patients suffering from respiratory distress, cardiac failure, and other complications.
According to hospital authorities, the ward has eight beds for male patients and four for female patients, with provision for emergency care outside the unit if needed.
Associate Professor Abu Shaheen Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, who is completing his PhD research on Russell鈥檚 viper venom, will lead the specialized treatment unit.
Hospital data show that from January to October this year, RMCH treated 1,205 snakebite patients of whom 260 were bitten by venomous snakes. Thirty of them died, including 10 from Russell鈥檚 viper bites and others from krait, cobra, and other species.
Shamim Ahmmed said that snakebite victims often arrived late at the hospital and previously received treatment in general wards.
鈥楴ow, with a dedicated High Dependency Unit or HDU-standard emergency facility and 24-hour medical supervision, snakebite patients will receive immediate and specialized care,鈥� he said.
He added that doctors and nurses had been trained following the national snakebite management guidelines, and adequate antivenom supplies had been stocked.
Dr Mahbubur Rahman said that between 2016 and 2023, the mortality rate from Russell鈥檚 viper bites was about 27 per cent, but has since declined due to improved treatment.
鈥榃ith the new specialized ward, integrated care will be possible with round-the-clock doctors and nurses and sufficient antivenom. This will further reduce deaths,鈥� he said.
Each antivenom dose costs around Tk 13,000 and requires 10 vials, he added, noting that many patients need multiple doses.
鈥楢ll treatment and medicines will be provided completely free of charge. Treatment will start immediately upon arrival 鈥� there will be no delay,鈥� he further added.
