Madhepura: A woman undergoing treatment for a snakebite at Madhepura Sadar Hospital was allegedly subjected to ‘tantra-mantra’ rituals inside the hospital premises, even as doctors administered anti-snake venom to save her life on Sunday. A video of the rituals also went viral on social media.Manju Devi (35), wife of Dev Narayan Das and a resident of Shrinagar village under Ghailadh block, was bitten on her right hand by a venomous snake while she was sleeping on Saturday night. Her family initially took her to a primary health centre, from where she was referred to Madhepura Sadar Hospital as anti-snake venom was unavailable there.Doctors at the sadar hospital admitted her to the red zone and began treatment immediately. According to Dr Mukesh Kumar, the patient was administered 28 vials of anti-snake venom, following which her condition stabilised.However, during the course of treatment, some attendants allegedly brought a man claiming to possess healing powers to the hospital premises. He performed ‘tantra-mantra’ rituals near the patient in an attempt to remove the effect of the snake venom.Hospital sources said the ritual was conducted near the medicine counter adjacent to the OPD. Despite the exercise, there was no noticeable change in the patient’s condition. Doctors maintained that the patient’s recovery was due to the medical treatment being provided at the hospital.The incident highlights the continued belief in superstition among some people, despite the availability of medical treatment for snakebite at govt hospitals.
