Despite living in the 21st century, some people still rely on superstition over science. This believed in the superstition took a 12 years old girl life. On June 9, a 12-year-old girl in Lakhipur, Cachar, lost her life after her family chose traditional healing over urgent medical treatment for a snakebite.
The girl, identified as Mina Barman, a Class 6 student of Joypur Binapani School, was bitten by a venomous snake while she was sleeping at her home in Daloi Chhara, Lakhipur. She woke up in pain and discovered a bite mark, which she immediately reported to her family.
At first, her family thought that it was just an insect bite. But after checking the room, they found a black snake about two-and-a-half feet long which confirmed it was a snakebite.
As the symptoms of poisoning started showing, instead of rushing Mina to hospital, the family called an “ojha”. Unfortunately, this delay proved took the life of the girl. When Mina’s condition worsened, she was finally taken to Harinagar Hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead.
Health experts and wildlife rescuers repeatedly stress that anti-venom is the only scientifically proven treatment for snakebites. Relying on superstition not only delays treatment but can also result in death, as seen in this tragic case.
Mina’s untimely death has triggered sorrow and outrage in the local community. Many residents are questioning why, despite modern medical facilities, some still rely on outdated and unscientific methods in critical situations.
The incident highlights the urgent need for public awareness on snakebite treatment and the dangers of ignoring medical science in rural areas.
