KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Health and Population has stated that there is no shortage of rabies vaccine in the country, while acknowledging that stocks are not available in large quantities.
Ministry spokesperson Dr Samir Kumar Adhikari said that although the government does not currently hold large reserves of the vaccine, sufficient doses are available in hospitals for emergency treatment.
“We do not have a large stock at the moment. However, vaccines are available for emergency use for patients,” he said. “New supplies will arrive soon through the tender process,” he added.
Dr Adhikari informed that a tender has already been called for the procurement of 5,000 vials of rabies vaccine. He said that after three unsuccessful tender attempts in December, March, and May, the government has once again initiated the procurement process.
Rabies vaccination is required after bites from animals such as dogs, cats, and monkeys.
According to the ministry, the World Health Organization (WHO) is also set to provide 4,500 vials of vaccine within the next two to three days. Previously, WHO had supplied 5,000 vials for emergency use.
Director of Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, Dr Anup Bastola, said the hospital is currently providing rabies vaccines to all patients who need them, stating that there is no shortage at the facility.
“We are vaccinating all patients who come for rabies shots,” he said, adding that the hospital has no shortage of vaccines.
Hospital records show that around 180 people visit daily for rabies vaccination.
According to Medical Records Chief Samir Kumar Adhikari, 55,759 people received rabies vaccination in the current fiscal year alone. Similarly, 63,815 people were vaccinated in FY 2020/21 and 47,586 in FY 2021/22.
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