Centre Issues Strict Advisory on Dog-Bite Cases: Delayed Anti-Rabies Treatment May Cost Lives

In view of the rising incidents of dog bites across the country, the central government has issued strict directives to all government and private hospitals to maintain a permanent stock of anti-rabies vaccines (ARV) and rabies immunoglobulin (RIG).

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare highlighted that increasing dog-bite cases pose a serious public health threat. Hospitals are now required to ensure uninterrupted availability of these life-saving medicines.

Strict Guidelines for Public Spaces
The government has also emphasized the need for heightened medical preparedness in crowded institutional areas such as schools, hospitals, sports complexes, bus depots, and railway stations, to prevent stray dogs from entering these premises.

Instructions to States and Ministries
According to Mint, in December, the Ministry of Health issued directives to all central ministries, departments, states, and union territories mandating that every hospital, public or private, maintain a constant stock of ARV and RIG at all times.

Understanding the Two Injections
Anti-rabies vaccines and rabies immunoglobulin are both used for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) against rabies, but they work differently. The ARV stimulates the body to produce its own antibodies for long-term protection, while RIG provides immediate, pre-formed antibodies to offer short-term passive immunity.

With these measures, the government aims to ensure prompt treatment for dog-bite victims and reduce the risk of fatalities due to delayed administration of anti-rabies medication.