Kerala Snakebite Tragedy: 8-Year-Old Dies, Family Alleges Hospital Negligence

Thiruvananthapuram- An eight-year-old boy died after a snakebite incident in Thiruvananthapuram, with his family alleging lapses in medical care at a local government hospital.

According to officials, the child, identified as Dikshal, was bitten by a cobra while sleeping at his home in the Azhoor area during the early hours of Thursday. Family members said the incident occurred around 2:30 am, after which he was rushed to a nearby healthcare facility.

He was initially taken to a government taluk hospital in Chirayinkeezhu and later referred to a higher medical centre in the city. However, the child died while being transported for advanced treatment, officials confirmed.

The family has accused hospital staff of negligence, claiming there were delays and inadequate response during initial treatment. The hospital authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the allegations.

Following the incident, local workers affiliated with Indian National Congress staged a protest march to the hospital, demanding accountability and action against those responsible.

The tragedy comes amid a rise in snakebite incidents in Kerala, with experts warning that extreme heat conditions are driving snakes closer to residential areas. Data indicates multiple fatalities linked to snakebites in the state over the past year.

Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious, especially at night, and to seek immediate medical attention in case of snakebite incidents.