NMC orders hospitals to stock rabies drugs after Supreme Court flags stray threat
Medical colleges nationwide must now maintain constant stocks of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin, following Supreme Court directives. This crucial step ensures timely treatment for dog-bite victims, addressing rising incidents in public spaces. The National Medical Commission's order mandates uninterrupted availability, bolstering public health safety measures across institutions.
Stray dog (Representative image)
NEW DELHI: National Medical Commission has directed all govt and private medical colleges and institutions to maintain a mandatory stock of anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) and rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) at all times, in a move that follows SC directions requiring hospitals to ensure timely and complete treatment of dog-bite victims.ARV helps body develop immunity against rabies virus after exposure, while RIG provides immediate antibodies in severe or high-risk bites, offering protection until vaccine takes effect.NMC has instructed principals, deans and heads of medical colleges and institutions to implement measures outlined by Union health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, conveying SC's time-bound directions to states, UTs and central authorities.SC, in its suo motu case - based on a TOI report "City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay Price" published on July 28, 2025 - flagged rising dog-bite incidents within schools, hospitals and public institutions and ordered steps to secure premises.As reflected in NMC notice, uninterrupted availability of ARV and RIG has been mandated for all govt and private hospitals. SC had also ordered that educational institutions, hospitals, medical facilities, sports complexes, bus stands and railway stations be identified and secured through fencing, boundary walls, and similar measures within stipulated timelines.