Rabies vaccine shortage reported across Far West health facilities

Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur): A shortage of rabies vaccines has been reported in government hospitals and health institutions across the Far West. The vaccine, which must be administered immediately after bites from dogs, foxes, and other animals, has been in short supply for the past two weeks.

“The provincial government had allocated a budget of Rs 1 million for the purchase of the vaccine. Now, for the past two to three months, the same vaccine has made things easier,” said Joshi.

Hemraj Joshi, Vector Control Officer at the Far West Provincial Health Directorate, stated that vaccines meant to be provided free of charge to service recipients are currently unavailable in government facilities. However, he noted that the vaccine is being sold and distributed through private health institutions.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Ministry of Social Development has issued a letter to health offices, district hospitals, and local levels, urging them to arrange vaccine supplies. The letter mentions that the vaccine, which is to be distributed free of charge by the Health Services Department, Management Division, has not been supplied and may take some time to arrive.

Similarly, on June 16, the Department of Health Services requested the Provincial Ministry of Social Development, the Directorate of Health Services, and local levels to make necessary arrangements for vaccination.