Shortage of anti-rabies vaccine at govt hospitals

Tribune News Service

Rohtak, July 13

Government hospitals in the state have been facing an acute shortage of anti-rabies vaccine for several weeks. Patients visiting government hospitals have no option but to purchase the costly vaccine from private medical stores.

According to sources, the manufacturing firm, which used to supply anti-rabies vaccine to the government hospitals, has discontinued production and an alternative arrangement is yet to be made.

The district health authorities admit that there is a shortage of anti-rabies vaccine at the district hospitals and the state authorities have been apprised of the matter.

“Yes, there is a shortage of anti-rabies vaccine at the district civil hospital though we have some stock for emergency use. We have sought anti-rabies vaccine from the government warehouse as well as from the local vendor but we have been told that the vaccine is not available,” said Dr Ramesh Chander, Medical Superintendent, Civil Hospital, Rohtak.

Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rajiv Arora said that he was on leave and would be able to respond after rejoining duty. The state Director-General (Health Services) could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.