THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is grappling with a concerning increase in rabies cases and stray dog incidents, leading to a critical shortage of rabies vaccine immunoglobulin in the state. Hospitals are struggling to provide the necessary vaccines to patients who arrive with dog and cat bites, with even medical colleges facing shortages.
Immunoglobulin is crucial in preventing venom from reaching the brain, offering immediate protection and safety. Unfortunately, the state health department has faced criticism for its failure to adequately arrange for the vaccine, leaving many vulnerable to rabies.
Janam TV recently reported on the alarming scarcity of rabies vaccines in Kerala’s medical colleges. In a distressing incident, incident involving a three-year-old child attacked by a stray dog has highlighted the gravity of the situation. The child’s relatives shared their ordeal, stating that they were unable to obtain the vaccine from Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. In response to the scarcity, the child had to be treated at a private hospital. The situation has raised serious concerns about the availability and accessibility of essential healthcare services in the state.
As the situation intensifies, reports reveal a shocking number of incidents in the past six months, with 1.62 lakh people bitten by stray dogs and 1631 people injured in stray dog attacks within the last three days alone. Urgent measures are needed to address this growing public health concern in the state.
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