As cases of dog bites increase and debates continue about sheltering street dogs, an important issue emerges: are healthcare facilities prepared to treat bite victims?
Hyderabad:As cases of dog bites increase and debates continue about sheltering street dogs, an important issue emerges: are healthcare facilities prepared to treat bite victims?While 80 per cent of India’s healthcare centres have anti-rabies vaccines, only 20 per cent stock Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG), crucial for severe, category III bites. In Telangana, most health centres also lack this essential injection.
“RIG is the only protective measure until vaccine-induced antibodies develop. Without it, the vaccine alone may fail,” said Dr K. Bhanu Prasad, assistant professor of preventive medicine at NIMS. “Every Primary Health Centre should stock RIG or rabies monoclonal antibodies. Timely infiltration at the first point of contact is critical to saving lives,” he explained.
Unlike the rabies vaccine, which takes 7–14 days to trigger antibodies, RIG neutralises the virus immediately at the wound site. Without immediate neutralisation, the virus can enter the nervous system and cause rabies, a disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
Currently, distribution of RIG is patchy, with only tertiary care centres and Community Health Centres (CHCs) stocking the injection. The reason for this, Dr Bhanu Prasad explained, is that storing RIG requires a refrigerator that maintains 2–8°C consistently. However, issues like erratic power supply, manpower and financial constraints prevent PHCs from stocking it. Yet, if such an investment is made, the same infrastructure can also store other life-saving drugs.
Dr Abhinav Bagavathula, medical officer at Kannaigudem PHC, added, “In grade 3 bites, RIG must be given immediately, ideally within three days. However, it is not available at PHCs and is only available at CHCs. Dog owners can also take preventive doses of prophylaxis, but access is poor.”
At Hyderabad’s Institute of Preventive Medicine (IPM), around 350 patients seek anti-rabies vaccines daily, but those requiring RIG are referred to Fever Hospital or CHCs. “RIGs are only stocked at Area Hospitals or CHCs,” said IPM director Dr Sivaleela.
Fever Hospital alone handles nearly 120 dog-bite cases every day. “RIG is given for all category 2 and 3 injuries,” said resident medical officer Dr A. Jayalaxmi.
Experts also stressed prevention: mass dog vaccination, stronger stray-dog population control, timely washing of wounds with soap and water and awareness campaigns on immediate post-bite care. Pre-exposure prophylaxis is recommended for high-risk groups, including veterinarians and dog owners.
