Student dies of snakebite in Gajapati after family opts for traditional healing over timely medical care

In yet another shocking incident highlighting the perils of superstition, a young student lost his life after being subjected to traditional healing instead of timely medical treatment for snakebite in Gajapati district on Friday.

The incident occurred in Dakarpanka village under Adaba police station. The deceased has been identified as Gurubada Raita, a first-year science student who had recently enrolled at Hill Top College in Mohana earlier this month.

According to reports, the boy was bitten by a venomous snake late last night while he was asleep. Instead of rushing him to a hospital, his family members first took him to a nearby village to seek treatment from a local herbal healer. However, when his condition deteriorated, he was later shifted to R. Udayagiri Hospital.

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Doctors there referred him to Gajapati District Headquarters Hospital at Paralakhemundi as his condition worsened further. Tragically, Gurubada passed away on the way to the medical facility.

So far, no comments could be received from either the family or the administration regarding the incident.

This case once again underscores how reliance on superstitious practices and delays in accessing proper medical care continue to claim precious lives in rural areas.