Sr. Baptista Rema, a Salesian Sister of Mary Immaculate, has spent the last 15 years saving the lives of snakebite victims in Baromari, Sherpur, a rural area near Bangladesh's northern border with India known for its venomous snakes. At Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Rema is in charge of treating an average of one to two snakebite cases daily -- around 400 patients annually.
Her dedicated care has been a lifeline for many, with most of her patients coming from the local Muslim and Hindu communities.
A unique feature of Rema's practice is her use of a black healing stone as part of a traditional method of treating snakebites. Her methods often combine traditional and modern approaches.
The region struggles with high mortality rates. Limited awareness and hesitation to seek prompt medical care exacerbate the problem. Studies indicate that approximately 7,000 people die from snakebites in Bangladesh each year -- fatalities that could often be avoided with timely administration of antivenin.
In a recent conversation with Global Sisters Report, Rema discussed her work, the challenges of treating snakebites in rural Bangladesh, and the additional health care services offered by her team at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. Her story highlights the urgent need to raise awareness and improve access to life-saving treatment, while showcasing the blend of traditional and modern practices in her compassionate ministry.
GSR: Can you tell us about your hospital's services?
Rema: Our hospital was established in 1946 by martyr Sister Mary Immaculate, a French missionary who dedicated 26 years of her life to serving the people of Bangladesh. It is the first and only hospital in this region, providing essential medical care to thousands of [needy] people. Before the hospital was founded, many lives were tragically lost due to the lack of health care facilities, as recounted by our nuns.
Sister Mary Immaculate gave her life during the Bangladesh Liberation War, dying on June 8, 1971. In recognition of her extraordinary sacrifice and service, the French government posthumously awarded her the Legion d'Honneur the same year.