15-Year-Old Girl Dies After Snakebite Due to Delayed Medical Treatment in Pune

Victim Identified as Pranjal Gopale

The deceased, Pranjal Gopale (15), was an 11th-grade student who was bitten by a snake while cutting fodder for cattle around 9 AM. Her family immediately rushed her to the Paith Primary Health Centre in a private vehicle, only to find no doctors available.

Delayed Treatment Leads to Fatal Consequences

With no medical help at Paith, Pranjal was taken to Chandoli Rural Hospital by 10:30 AM, where doctors administered preliminary treatment. Recognizing the severity of her condition, they referred her to Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital (YCMH) for intensive care. However, during transit, Pranjal passed away.

Family Alleges Medical Negligence

Relatives claim that Pranjal could have survived had she received prompt anti-venom treatment. They allege systemic failures, including the absence of doctors at the primary health center and inadequate emergency medical support.

Contradictory Statements from Authorities

Taluka Medical Officer Dr. Vilas Mane denied that Pranjal was ever brought to the Paith Primary Health Centre, contradicting the family’s account. This discrepancy has further fueled outrage over transparency in rural healthcare.

Calls for Better Emergency Healthcare

The incident highlights critical gaps in rural medical infrastructure, including shortages of anti-venom, lack of trained staff, and poorly equipped ambulances. Activists and locals are demanding urgent reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.