Rabies Vaccine Shortage in Nepal: Hospitals Managing by Direct and Emergency Purchases
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock
Despite reports of a shortage of rabies vaccines over recent days, the Ministry of Health and Population’s deputy spokesperson claims that the stock has not been completely depleted.
However, officials have not publicly disclosed the current vaccine inventory details.
Last Wednesday, Minister of Health and Population Nisha Mehta informed the House of Representatives that there were 14,474 vials of rabies vaccine available nationwide at that time.
Speaking to the BBC on Tuesday, ministry deputy spokesperson Dr. Sameer Kumar Adhikari confirmed that some vaccines remain in government storage and are actively used.
“The procurement process for vaccine purchase is in its third phase after no bids were received in previous rounds. The process is in its final stage and the vaccines are expected to arrive soon,” said Dr. Adhikari.
Rabies in Nepal
The Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital in Teku, Kathmandu, has reported 26 deaths from rabies in the last two years.
Government data indicates approximately 100 deaths annually in Nepal due to rabies, although actual cases may be underreported.
Nepal aims to eliminate dog bite–transmitted rabies by 2030.
Though rabies is a fatal disease without treatment, timely vaccination following exposure to infected dogs or other animals can prevent infection. Medical professionals express serious concern over ongoing human deaths from rabies.
Nepal imports most of its rabies vaccines from India.
Appeal to WHO, Hospitals Managing With Challenges
Although there is no treatment for rabies, doctors emphasize that vaccination can protect people bitten by infected animals.
In the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Minister Mehta stated that an aid shipment of approximately 4,500 rabies vaccine vials is in its final procurement phase via the World Health Organization (WHO) to address the immediate shortage.
Image source, RSS
She also outlined plans for a multi-year procurement strategy to prevent future shortages and expressed optimism that availability will improve in the coming days with federal government support.
Dr. Adhikari explained, “Due to recent global price increases, suppliers have been unable to provide vaccines at the rates we have set. Likely, some bids were submitted at higher rates, delaying timely delivery.”
To manage emergency situations, he added that hospitals have been allocated budget authority to make direct purchases.
“The problem arises because public procurement law requires formal processes for costly and large-scale purchases,” he noted. “When shortages occur, neighboring hospitals can provide support through mutual arrangements.”
Previously, a vaccination schedule consisted of 14 doses; it has now been reduced to 5 doses, and in some cases, 3 doses are considered sufficient.
Concerns
Teku Hospital, officially Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, is Nepal’s leading center for infectious disease treatment.
Hospital Director Dr. Anup Bastola reports that approximately 600 to 700 people come daily for rabies vaccination, with over 20,000 vaccines administered in recent months.
Image source, EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock
Health workers note that 99 percent of rabies cases in Nepal are caused by bites from domesticated dogs.
Other cases have been attributed to bites from wild animals such as foxes and jackals.
According to Dr. Bastola, “Patients often die after presenting symptoms of rabies because they tend to delay seeking care or receive inadequate initial treatment.”
Doctors recommend promptly cleaning any wound caused by a dog bite with plenty of clean water for several minutes.
Rabies virus infects the central nervous system, making it impossible to save the patient once symptoms appear, experts say.
The incubation period for rabies typically lasts up to six months, so Dr. Bastola advises receiving the vaccine as soon as possible after a dog bite.
He explains this early vaccination can destroy the virus during the incubation period, reducing the risk of developing rabies.
He added, “This week, a 48-year-old man admitted to Teku Hospital died after being bitten by an adult dog in India three months earlier, followed by a jackal bite in Nepal. Since the dog is still alive here, the rabies likely originated from the Indian bite. Despite treatment after symptoms developed, he could not be saved.”
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