Amrita Hospital, based in Kochi, has received prestigious recognition from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for its exceptional strides in venomous snakebite and pediatric cardiac research. The accolade solidifies the hospital's stature as a Center of Excellence in these critical healthcare domains, showcasing its leadership in addressing complex medical challenges.

ICMR honored Amrita Hospital's Pediatric Heart Program with the Center of Excellence award for its remarkable contributions to pediatric cardiac research. This acknowledgment highlights the program's outstanding track record in research, innovations, publications, and mentorship, reaffirming its commitment to advancing pediatric cardiac care.

Further enhancing its distinction, Amrita Hospital has been designated as a Center of Excellence by ICMR for snakebite treatment, a pioneering achievement in India. This recognition celebrates the team's exceptional efforts in therapeutic, preventive measures, capacity-building, and research concerning snakebites. Notable members of this distinguished team include Dr. Jaideep Menon, Dr. Bipin Nair, V V Pillay, Gireesh Kumar, T P Sreekrishnan, Sabarish B. Nair, Muralidharan V, and Aravind MS.

Snakebite, classified as a Neglected Tropical Disease, disproportionately affects rural regions in tropical areas, posing a significant occupational hazard. India bears a substantial burden, with an estimated 58,000 annual deaths, accounting for more than half of the global toll. This recognition underscores the hospital's comprehensive approach encompassing awareness, research, and capacity building to combat this critical public health concern.

Dr. Jaideep Menon, Professor of Adult Cardiology and Public Health at Amrita Hospital, emphasized the socio-economic impact of snakebites, particularly affecting male breadwinners aged 20 to 60. He highlighted the team's multifaceted strategy, focusing on awareness, capacity building, and crucial research to tackle this pressing health issue.

The Collaborative Center of Excellence aims to conduct essential research, establish a repository on snakes and treatments, identify high-risk zones, and contribute to reducing snakebite-related mortality and morbidity. Aligning with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the initiative emphasizes public health capacity building and advocacy to combat this critical health issue."