Jun 18, Kathmandu - The number of people seeking rabies vaccinations at the Teku-based Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital is increasing due to a nationwide shortage of rabies vaccines in various health institutions across Nepal.

According to Dr. Anup Bastola, Director of the Sukraraj Hospital, the shortage has led to a significant rise in patients coming from districts such as Sindhupalchok, Dhading, Kabhrepalanchok, Nuwakot, and Rasuwa to get vaccinated.

“The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division has been supplying rabies vaccines to health facilities across the country,” said Dr. Bastola. “However, due to the division's inability to procure vaccines this fiscal year, the demand at Teku Hospital has surged.”

Samir Kumar Adhikari, working at the hospital’s record department, reported that in May alone, a total of 6,947 patients visited for rabies vaccination. In early June, specifically on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, 175, 173, and 186 patients respectively received vaccinations.

Dr. Anuj Bhattchhan, Acting Director of the Department of Health Services, explained that the vaccine shortage issue is linked to procurement challenges. To address this, the department is prioritizing procurement through the management division.

He acknowledged that previous import attempts had failed, leading to vaccine shortages in various parts of the country. To resolve this, a high-level meeting involving ministers and secretaries has been scheduled to issue a tender for vaccine procurement soon.

Dr. Bhattchhan assured that the process would be expedited by coordinating with the World Health Organization and other partner organizations to ensure an immediate solution to the crisis.