The chairperson of the Health Portfolio Committee in KwaZulu-Natal has expressed concern that the province might not have enough stock of antivenom.
Dr Imran Keeka has expressed his concern over the reduction in antivenom, which he says places "lives in grave danger".
He said he had written to the Health Department to get an understanding of the stock levels in hospitals.
Health Portfolio Committee chairperson expressed these concerns after a report by the CEO of the African Snakebite Institute, Johan Marais, on the Farmer's Weekly publication, in which he states that, "no snake antivenom is being produced in South Africa at the moment by South African Vaccine Producers", a situation which he claims has led to the death of thousands of dogs.
Keeka says, "while snakebite is not among the most common casualties seen in our health facilities, the reality is that KZN's topography and terrain are home to a variety of venomous snakes, for example, black and green mambas, puff adders, and cobras, etc., which are often encountered on hiking trails.
“Antivenom availability is not only vital to saving human lives, but equally important when our pets, especially dogs, encounter snakes."
"I have sent my concern to the chairman of the National Health Portfolio Committee, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo. This is because management of production and distribution of Antivenom to provinces is the competency of the National Health Laboratory Services.
Keeka maintains that "this matter needs to be looked into urgently .
The Mercury