For this article:

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.

Key Facts

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 Exam Angles

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

Visual Insights

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
More Information

Background

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.

Latest Developments

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.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

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?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.3 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.None
Show Answer

Answer: 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?

  • A.Development of a new anti-venom drug
  • B.Training of specialized doctors in snakebite treatment
  • C.Community engagement and referral networks for timely treatment
  • D.Use of traditional medicine for snakebite cure
Show Answer

Answer: 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?

  • A.Snake venom is a complex mixture of proteins and enzymes.
  • B.The composition of snake venom varies depending on the species, geographic location, and diet of the snake.
  • C.All snake venoms primarily target the nervous system.
  • D.Anti-venom is produced by injecting venom into animals and collecting the resulting antibodies.
Show Answer

Answer: 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?

  • A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
  • B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
  • C.A is true, but R is false.
  • D.A is false, but R is true.
Show Answer

Answer: 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.

Source Articles

Assam’s Demow Model is focus of ICMR project for ‘zero snakebite deaths’ - The Hindu

The Hindu·14 Dec 2025

IMA calls out Assam’s handling of pandemic - The Hindu

The Hindu·14 Dec 2025

Cambodia adapting Assam’s ‘stork army’ model - The Hindu

The Hindu·14 Dec 2025

Mental health of students: NIMHANS, State Health and Education Departments start deliberations on ICMR project - The Hindu

The Hindu·14 Dec 2025

Welcome development: The Hindu Editorial on the ICMR and Controlled Human Infection Studies - The Hindu

The Hindu·14 Dec 2025

GKSolverToday's News