Meerut: The menace of stray dogs is increasing day by day in Meerut district, and concurrently, a shortage in government healthcare facilities has also come to light. P.L. Sharma District Hospital has run out of stock of “Anti-Rabies Serum” (ARS), while “Anti-Rabies Vaccine” (ARV) is available.
Due to the large number of dog bite cases, the hospital is experiencing a rush of patients.
Key Points
In Room No. 16 of the District Hospital, a large number of people bitten by dogs are being administered injections daily.
There is no shortage of ARV vaccine — Medical Superintendent B.P. Kaushik stated that it is used for minor wounds. However, ARS injection — which is used for bites above the abdomen or for severe wounds — has been out of stock at the hospital since September 26.
On September 27, a demand was sent to the Drug Warehouse (Kharkhauda), but the warehouse also had no stock. For instance, on a single day, from 8 AM to 11:30 AM, 84 people came for injections. People reported: a police constable was attacked by dogs while riding his bike near Hanuman Mandir in Cantt.
Another individual was bitten on the thigh in the Brahmapuri area.
Areas of Concern
When patients with severe wounds cannot receive ARS, their lives are at risk. The number of stray dogs is so high that the hospital is under pressure due to a large volume of daily bite cases. It is essential for the administration to control stray dogs and for the health department to ensure timely supply of necessary injections.
Relevant authorities need to take prompt and effective steps — the hospital, municipal corporation, and animal management department must coordinate.
