The shortage of anti-rabies vaccines at Community Health Centers (CHCs), district hospitals and other government healthcare institutions across Jharkhand has raised concern among people bitten or scratched by stray animals. In several places, patients are being asked to arrange the vaccine from private pharmacies when government stocks are unavailable. The shortage is particularly concerning for patients from rural and economically weaker sections who depend on government facilities for free and affordable treatment.
Sanjay Ojha, a resident of Namkum, said, “After being bitten by a dog, I came to the Namkum CHC expecting the anti-rabies vaccine to be available. However, I was told that there is no stock or I was referred to Sadar Hospital.”
Jiya Agarwal, a resident of Morabadi, said, “The queues for anti-rabies vaccination at Sadar hospital here are very long. I had to spend extra money to arrange the anti-rabies vaccine from outside because it was not available at the hospital. For a family with limited income, the cost of repeated doses is a burden. Patients should not be made to run from one place to another after an animal bite when timely vaccination is so important.”
According to the health department, there are more than 3 lakh stray dogs and around 2 lakh pet dogs in the state. Additionally, it has a stock of more than 1.46 lakh anti-rabies vaccine doses and around 22,000 units of anti-rabies serum. However, the number of cases has increased recently and has led to a sharp rise in vaccine. The rise in demand has contributed to the depletion of available stocks.
Officials said urban centres including Ranchi, Bokaro and Jamshedpur report a higher incidence of rabies. The state records more than 75,000 animal bite cases annually, while Ranchi alone reports more than 6,200 cases a month.
Dr Saranjan Sarkar, veterinarian, said, “Rising dog bite incidents could be linked to several factors, including uncontrolled breeding, territorial behaviour and inadequate care of street dogs. Stray dogs are territorial by nature and may react when they feel threatened or provoked, intentionally or unintentionally. Lack of regular feeding, shelter and vaccination can also contribute to anxiety and aggressive behaviour.”
Dr Praveen Karan, State Epidemiologist, said, “A robust surveillance system is in place which enables authorities to detect and manage rabies cases promptly and ensure a rapid response to potential outbreak.”
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