There has been a shortage of anti-rabies vaccines in Baitadi, causing difficulties for the patients. Those requiring the vaccine have been compelled to travel outside the district due to the unavailability. According to Harish Panta, Information Officer at Baitadi District Hospital, the vaccine has been out of stock for the past three weeks. Although the provincial supply center has been informed, the vaccine has yet to be made available. He added that there has been a shortage of anti-rabies vaccines at the facility for the past three weeks. Despite informing the Provincial Supply Center, the vaccines have yet to be made available, resulting in difficulties for those in need of the treatment.
Vaccines are typically administered at three locations in the district: the District Hospital in the headquarters, Patan Primary Health Center, and Kesharpur Primary Health Center in Melauli. Due to the continued shortage, patients bitten by animals are being referred to health institutions outside the district, he informed. A person bitten by an animal is required to receive three doses of the anti-rabies vaccine. However, due to the ongoing shortage, some individuals have been turned away without vaccination. The vaccine is essential for those bitten by domestic animals such as dogs and cats, as well as wild animals like foxes and jackals.
Rabies can cause symptoms such as fever, tingling sensations, severe pain at the bite site, fear of water and air, restlessness, and irritability. Infected individuals may also develop wounds around the eyes, nose, mouth, and other parts of the body. Drinking water can become painful, and the disease can affect the nervous and respiratory systems, potentially leading to cardiac arrest and death.