World Rabies Day 2025: Street Dog Threat Rises, Vaccine Shortage Alarms

World Rabies Day: On one hand, the menace of stray dogs is increasing in Raipur. On the other hand, the availability of rabies vaccines in government hospitals continues to decline. With 100 to 150 people coming to Raipur's primary health centers and major hospitals daily for vaccination, vaccine supply is a major problem.

There is a shortage of rabies vaccine in urban and primary health centers. Hospitals are only able to administer one dose. If someone is bitten by a dog, cat, or rat and is not vaccinated on time, rabies can develop, making it difficult to prevent it. Therefore, timely rabies vaccination is crucial.

It should be noted that 10 to 20 people come to urban primary health centers daily for rabies vaccination. Meanwhile, over 100 people come to the District Hospital and Ambedkar Hospital daily. An investigation revealed that most hospitals are not meeting the rabies vaccine supply needs. Khokho Para Primary Health Center needs 400 vaccines every month, but only 40 doses arrive.
The hospital in Ram Nagar, despite requiring 600 vaccines, has only 35 vaccines in stock. This shortage is causing difficulties for patients.
Five to seven people come to Raja Talab Hamar Hospital daily for vaccination. Despite supplies being distributed to other hospitals, patients do not face any problems as the stock is sufficient.
Bhatagaon Hamar Hospital receives 12-15 people daily for vaccination. After administering just one dose, patients are advised to go to the district hospital for the remaining doses.
Changora Bhata Hamar Hospital receives 18-20 people daily for vaccination. Due to a shortage of stock, patients coming for the second and third doses are sent to the district hospital.
Shortage at smaller primary health centers: Patients reaching the district hospital
Vaccine shortages at smaller primary health centers are driving patients to the district hospital. This is increasing the crowds there, exacerbating the waiting time. A staff member at Bhatagaon Hamar Hospital said they are trying their best to ensure patients receive at least one dose immediately. However, due to insufficient stock, they are facing difficulties in administering the full dose. Staff also reported that delays in vaccine supply sometimes force them to send patients to other hospitals.