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New Delhi, August 19, 2025 — A recent nationwide survey has exposed a concerning shortfall in the availability of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) — a life-saving component in the prevention of rabies deaths — across India’s public health system. The survey, led by researchers from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Delhi along with multiple premier institutions, spanned 534 public health facilities in 60 districts across 15 states.
Key findings indicate that although anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) is available at nearly 80% of public health facilities, only about 20% are equipped with RIG. This disparity is particularly alarming as RIG is essential for patients with bleeding wounds following animal bites; its timely administration, combined with ARV, is vital for effective rabies prevention.
While both ARV and RIG are provided free of cost at government hospitals, the survey highlights that more than half of private health facilities (55%) offering ARV also stock RIG. However, private treatment remains costly, with ARV priced between ₹300 and ₹600 per dose and RIG between ₹3,000 and ₹6,000 per dose.
ARV works by inducing the patient’s immune response to produce rabies-fighting antibodies, offering long-term protection. In contrast, RIG delivers immediate protection by providing ready-made antibodies. The study, published in The Lancet Regional – Southeast Asia, strongly recommends urgent expansion of RIG availability, particularly to primary healthcare centres, to effectively curb deaths from this fatal but preventable disease.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised not to consider this report as medical advice and to consult healthcare professionals for all matters relating to human or animal bites and the prevention or treatment of infectious diseases.
Reference: “RIG availability at public health facilities is a concern: Survey.” ET HealthWorld.
