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14 Dec 2025·Source: The Hindu
2 min
Social IssuesScience & TechnologyEnvironment & EcologyNEWS

ICMR to Study Assam's 'Demow Model' for Snakebite Prevention

ICMR to Study Assam's 'Demow Model' for Snakebite Prevention

Photo by Michael Jerrard

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has sanctioned a ₹13.5 crore project to study and potentially scale up Assam's 'Demow Model' for snakebite prevention and management across India. The four-year research project, called the Zero Snakebite Death Initiative, aims to develop a unified national model for snakebite prevention by integrating proven regional strategies, with a focus on community engagement and referral networks.

मुख्य तथ्य

1.

ICMR sanctions ₹13.5 crore project for snakebite prevention.

2.

Assam's 'Demow Model' to be studied and potentially scaled up.

3.

Project aims for 'zero snakebite deaths' through community engagement.

UPSC परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण

1.

Public health policies and programs

2.

Role of ICMR in research and development

3.

Community participation in healthcare

4.

Challenges in healthcare delivery in rural areas

दृश्य सामग्री

Snakebite Mortality Risk Zones in India

Map highlighting areas with high snakebite mortality risk, focusing on Assam and other vulnerable regions. This illustrates the geographical scope of the problem and the potential impact of scaling up the 'Demow Model'.

Loading interactive map...

📍Assam📍West Bengal📍Odisha📍Bihar📍Uttar Pradesh📍Andhra Pradesh
और जानकारी

पृष्ठभूमि

Snakebites are a significant public health issue in India, particularly in rural areas. Traditional methods of treatment are often inadequate, leading to high mortality and morbidity. Community engagement and improved access to healthcare are crucial for effective snakebite management.

नवीनतम घटनाक्रम

The ICMR's initiative to study and scale up the 'Demow Model' highlights the importance of evidence-based interventions and regional strategies in addressing snakebite deaths. The project aims to develop a unified national model by integrating successful approaches from different regions.

बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the ICMR's 'Zero Snakebite Death Initiative': 1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at eliminating snakebite deaths across India within a decade. 2. The initiative will primarily focus on replicating the 'Demow Model' of Assam in all states. 3. The project includes research on improving anti-venom production and distribution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: B

Statement 1 is incorrect as the project is a research initiative, not a centrally sponsored scheme. Statement 2 is incorrect as the project aims to develop a unified national model by integrating proven regional strategies, not just replicating the Demow model.

2. In the context of snakebite management in India, what is the primary focus of the 'Demow Model' that the ICMR is studying?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: C

The 'Demow Model' emphasizes community participation, awareness campaigns, and establishing efficient referral networks to ensure that snakebite victims receive prompt and appropriate medical care.

3. Which of the following statements regarding snake venom is NOT correct?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: C

While some snake venoms are neurotoxic (affecting the nervous system), others are hemotoxic (affecting the blood) or cytotoxic (causing cell damage). The type of venom depends on the snake species.

4. Assertion (A): Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease that disproportionately affects rural populations in India. Reason (R): Lack of awareness, limited access to healthcare facilities, and reliance on traditional healers contribute to high mortality rates from snakebites. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: A

Snakebite is indeed a neglected tropical disease, and the reasons provided in Reason (R) accurately explain why it disproportionately affects rural populations and leads to high mortality.

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