Bengal to Get Its Own Anti-Venom Serum: A Long-Awaited Breakthrough

Bengal to Get Its Own Anti-Venom Serum: A Long-Awaited Breakthrough

Bengal is finally set to produce its own Anti-Venom Serum (AVS), marking a major milestone in public health and medical self-reliance. Although the project was initiated years ago during the Left Front government, it took over a decade to reach the implementation stage.

A specialized agency had already been contracted to collect venom from snakes. Now, two companies have received final approval to begin AVS production. They’ve been instructed to submit formal agreements by November 10, after which the manufacturing process will begin.

How the AVS Will Be Made:

• Venom Collection: Snake venom will be collected under controlled conditions.
• Horse Immunization: The venom will be injected into horses to stimulate antibody production.
• Serum Extraction: Once antibodies develop in the horse’s blood, the serum will be extracted and processed into AVS.
• Dual Format: The AVS will be produced in both liquid and powder formats.

The powder format is especially significant—it can be stored without refrigeration, making it ideal for remote and rural areas where cold storage is unavailable. This innovation is expected to benefit thousands of people in Bengal’s underserved regions.

According to the state health department, this initiative will not only reduce dependency on AVS from other states but also improve compatibility and effectiveness for local patients. If successful, Bengal’s AVS could set a precedent for other states to follow.