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No Rabies Vaccine Shortage in India
25 Mar
Summary
- India has ample anti-rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin supply.
- Annual production capacity for ARV is 8.17 crore vials.
- Annual production capacity for RIG is 1.77 crore vials.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda asserted on Tuesday that India possesses ample supplies of Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) and Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV), with production far exceeding domestic demand. He stated there is no need to halt exports due to this surplus. The Minister addressed concerns during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, confirming adequate availability and a real-time tracking system.
India's production capacity is substantial, with an annual installed capability of approximately 8.17 crore vials of ARV and 1.77 crore vials of RIG. Given that total annual animal bite cases amount to 58 lakh, including 47 lakh dog bites, the country maintains a healthy surplus.
Nadda emphasized that health is a state subject, with distribution responsibility lying with state governments. However, the central government offers technical and financial support through the National Rabies Control Programme and the National Health Mission. Procurement is decentralized, with advisories issued to states to ensure uninterrupted supply.
