Labourer refuses to admit snakebite, docs save his life

Nagpur: In a gripping and dramatic turn of events at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), a man, who had brought his wife to be treated for snakebite, refused to admit he too had been bitten by the snake. It took some hours of convincing, and the man feeling symptoms of poisoning like chest pain and breathlessness, before he agreed to start treatment, and recovered fully after a stint on the ventilator.
It all began when a brick factory labourer from Kamptee Road admitted his wife to GMCH at around 2am on June 4 as she had been bitten by a snake. Since the couple was sleeping in the same room and bed, where the snake was found, doctors asked the husband about his condition too. To their surprise, he adamantly denied experiencing any signs of snakebite. However, as hours passed, his health began to deteriorate, raising suspicion among the vigilant doctors.

“Despite the man’s continued refusal to acknowledge the possibility of snakebite, our doctors remained resolute in their conviction that his symptoms were indicative of poisoning. Realizing the urgency of the situation, they urged him to get admitted,” said Dr Milind Vyawahre of the medicine department.
In a tense and emotionally charged series of events, the man’s resistance tested the limits of the doctors. “Finally, when he started suffering chest pain and breathing problems, our doctors convinced him of the imminent danger he faced,” he said.
After a prolonged struggle, the man finally agreed to receive critical care. GMCH staff sprang into action, administering the appropriate treatment to counteract the effects of the venom.
Despite the delay caused by the man’s initial refusal, the quick thinking of doctors played a pivotal role in stabilizing his condition. However, the severity of his symptoms eventually necessitated the use of ventilator support to aid breathing and ensure his survival.
Gradually, his respiratory distress subsided, leading to a significant improvement in his overall health. By 3pm on June 5, the ventilator support was removed.
The couple is now fully recovered and were discharged. “In the face of adversity, this husband’s denial could have been catastrophic, but thanks to the vigilance of the alert doctors, his life was saved. It serves as a powerful reminder that, sometimes, the greatest battles are fought not just against external threats but within the realm of our own minds,” said Dr Pravin Shingade, professor in medicine department, GMCH. He mentioned that Dr Ramkishan, Dr Asmita, Dr Shrutika, Dr Bhagyashree, Dr Rushikesh, Dr Pankaj and Dr Hareesh and all the staff members worked hard to save the man’s life.