TV
A 28-year-old youth died of snakebite in Gajapati district late on Friday after his family failed to get him timely medical treatment, opting instead for ‘traditional healthcare’. The incident took place in Puruna village under Adava police station limits. The deceased was identified as Pratap Majhi.
According to reports, Pratap was bitten by a snake while he was asleep at home. Instead of rushing him to a government hospital, his family members took him to a ‘traditional healer’ in a neighbouring village. He was administered herbal remedies there, but his condition did not improve.
Health Deteriorated During Transit
Family sources said Pratap’s health worsened soon after the treatment. Realising the seriousness of his condition, they decided to shift him to the nearest health facility. However, he collapsed while being transported and died before reaching the hospital.
Sukanta Majhi, the deceased’s brother, told reporters that the family had initially believed the local healer could manage the situation. “When his condition deteriorated, we tried to shift him to the hospital, but he passed away on the way,” Sukanta said.
Police Case Registered
"We received a snakebite patient around 9 am today. After performing ECG and other checks, it was found that he was clinically dead. His family alleged that he was first taken to a local healer, but died while being shifted to the hospital. We have informed the police, and the body has been sent to Berhampur for a postmortem,” informed Dr Surya Narayan of Gajapati Community Health Centre.
On being informed, Adava police reached the spot and conducted a preliminary inquiry. An unnatural death case was registered. Police said further investigation into the incident is underway.
