Make anti-rabies serum available at PHCs: Centre

Jan 30,2024

NEW DELHI: The Centre  has directed all states  and UTs to ensure the availability of  anti-rabies serum at all sub-health centres, primary health centres and urban primary health centres. It has stated that financial support will be provided for the procurement of the anti-rabies serum under the National Health Mission.

Anti rabies serum is administered in cases where there is risk of severe exposure after contact with a rabid animal or an animal is presumed to be rabid. It is to be used in conjunction with rabies vaccine in severe cases. It costs over Rs 10,000 per dose and, doctors say, isn't available in most primary health centres.

A NHM official in a letter to the states and UTs, stated recently that rabies is a deadly viral infection and availability of medicines for its management and prevention is important to save families from the financial and emotional burden imposed by it. Easy availability of medicines will help in reducing out-of-pocket expenditure borne by patients affected by the disease. The letter also highlighted the need to ensure availability of sickle cell anaemia drug (hydroxyurea), anti-haemophilia factor VII.

Source: Healthworld