Anti-Rabies vaccine (ARV), which has been provided free of cost for a long time at Bajhang District Hospital, has recently been in short supply, causing difficulties for local patients.
The issue arose after the Sudurpaschim Province Health Supply Management Center in Dhangadhi failed to supply the vaccines, making it difficult for the hospital to continue providing the service.
According to Dr. Sandeep Oke, Chief of Bajhang District Hospital, the hospital has been unable to obtain vaccines from the provincial level, and therefore, free distribution of ARV vaccines from the hospital has been suspended until further arrangements are made. After the stock was exhausted, the hospital issued a notice to inform the public about the situation.
Although the free vaccination service has been halted, the hospital has kept alternative arrangements open for patients affected by dog or other animal bites. He stated, “We have no stock left, so we are unable to provide it free of cost. However, if patients bring vaccines purchased from outside, our health workers will administer them.”
Due to the unavailability of free vaccines in government hospitals, residents are being forced to purchase them from outside at high prices. In particular, patients from rural and low-income backgrounds are seen to be more affected by the shortage of ARV. Virendra Bahadur Khadka, Chairperson of the District Hospital Development Committee, Bajhang, said that coordination is ongoing with the provincial government and concerned bodies to ensure smooth supply of the vaccine, and that the service will resume once vaccines become available.