21,000 antivenom doses stocked at grassroots as floods drive up snakebite risk: minister

Health authorities say dengue and other disease data are now being monitored centrally

Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain says snake sightings have increased in flood-hit areas, with 21,000 doses of antivenom stocked at the grassroots to respond to the growing risk.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat on Monday, he said another 1,000 doses are available in central storage.

Authorities also have 399,879 cholera saline packs, 7,59 million oral rehydration saline packets, 3,62 million water purification tablets and 99,995 bags of intravenous saline in reserve, he added.

Medical teams have been deployed to every affected district and Upazila, while designated focal persons are coordinating with the central control room around the clock, according to Sakhawat.

The minister said relief was sent immediately after flooding hit districts including Sunamganj and Kishoreganj.

He also said flood-affected farmers would receive direct financial assistance based on annual beneficiary lists.

A 24-hour 16263 health helpline remains operational, with disease surveillance, including dengue, now monitored centrally.