Dhankuta Hospital Information Officer Yagya Mani Khatiwada informed that the 200 doses of vaccine sent for the month of Magh have been exhausted and no new ones have arrived.
What you should know
As cases of dog bites have increased in Dhankuta recently, there has been a shortage of rabies vaccines.
Dhankuta Hospital Information Officer Yagya Mani Khatiwada informed that the 200 doses of vaccine sent for the month of Magh have been exhausted and no new ones have arrived.
According to him, although some doses have been saved to allow patients who have already started the vaccination to complete the course, the hospital is unable to provide the vaccine to new patients. 'Every day, 8 to 10 people come in contact with the hospital for the rabies vaccine,' Khatiwada said, 'but due to shortage, it is not possible to provide the vaccine.'
Jasmani Rai of Dhankuta-7, who was injured by a dog bite and reached the hospital, complained that he had to buy it from a private medical facility after not receiving the vaccine at the hospital. He had reached the emergency room of Dhankuta Hospital for treatment on Sunday afternoon. 'The vaccine, which is free in government hospitals, has increased the cost as it has to be purchased outside,' he said.
There is a provision for the government-owned hospitals of Koshi Province to provide the rabies vaccine free of charge through the Koshi Province Health Supply Management Center. However, due to the shortage of vaccine in the Biratnagar center, the supply has not been able to reach the district.
Dr. Suresh Mehta, acting director of the Koshi Province Health Supply Management Center, Biratnagar, said that although the vaccine against rabies is coming from the federal government, it is not available yet. 'Other provinces have purchased the vaccine themselves, but Koshi Province has not purchased it. The vaccine has not even come from the union. It is unlikely to come immediately, but we have demanded it,' he said, 'There are only about 200 doses left in the center, which have been kept safe for a possible epidemic.'
The increase in dog bite cases along with the shortage of vaccines has made the general public panic. They have urged to ensure the supply and availability of vaccines.
