The anti-snake venom (ASV) stocks in the country will only last 4 to 6 months, according to a report prepared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The report claims that there is a short supply of ASV in the country. Two factors have compounded the problem of shortage - one the fight between animal activists and scientists on the issue of animal rights and secondly the age group of horses to be used for extracting blood. According to sources in the Ministry, a committee under the Chairmanship of the Science and Technology Minister, Murli Manohar Joshi has been set up to review the issue and suggest steps to step up supply of ASV.
The difference of opinion amongst the animal activists and scientists on the age of horses to be used has created more problems for institutes developing ASV. While some quarter claims the horses of age group of 21 years should be used for making ASV others contend that horses in the age group of 5 - 17 be used. The difference of opinion is still not solved.
By and large, it is felt that the age of the horse should not be the criteria for blood extraction but the status of health. It is stated that the committee constituted will come out with its recommendations soon.
In the wake of the short supply in the country anti-snake venom is being imported from countries like China, Nepal and Singapore to meet the domestic demand.
Domestic institutions such as the King's Institute of Preventive Medicine, Chennai and Serum India Ltd, Pune, have been caught in the imbroglio after deaths of horses at the Chennai institute. Production of ASV at King's Institute is suspended for making way for implementing the provisions as prescribed by the CPCSEA. Serum Institute, on the other hand, is contemplating phasing out production of ASV at its premises.