KANCHANPUR: At least 1,926 people have been affected by snakebites in Sudurpashchim Province over the past three years, according to the Provincial Health Directorate. Of them, 154 were bitten by poisonous snakes.

In fiscal year 2025/26 alone, 587 cases were reported, including 17 poisonous bites. The figures stood at 827 cases in 2024/25 with 46 poisonous bites and 512 cases in 2023/24 with 91 poisonous bites.

Kailali and Kanchanpur are the highest-risk districts due to dense settlements, farms, rivers, and bushes.

Poisonous species such as the spectacled cobra and krait are common, with krait bites frequently occurring at night while people sleep. Incidents rise during the monsoon and farming season from mid-May to mid-October.

Health workers warn that delays caused by reliance on faith healers instead of hospitals increase fatalities.

While basic treatment is available in all nine districts, poor roads and transport force critical patients to be referred elsewhere.

Snakebite treatment centers run by the Nepal Army in Terai districts have helped save lives in emergencies.