Free anti-hydrophobia vaccines have been out of stock for the past two weeks at the Sreemangal Upazila Health Complex in Moulvibazar, putting patients bitten or scratched by animals at risk.
As timely vaccination is crucial to prevent the fatal infection, the shortage has forced patients to buy doses from private pharmacies at high prices.
Hospital sources said that until 26 November, at least 123 patients had to purchase vaccines from outside and bring them to the hospital for administration.
The 50-bed health complex serves nearly 350,000 people across nine unions and one municipality. With no government-supplied vaccines available, low-income families are suffering the most.
Residents expressed frustration over the crisis as they are forced to buy the vaccine from the market at a much higher price.
Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Sinthia Tasmin acknowledged the shortage.
“Due to a halt in supply, we have been unable to provide the vaccine for several days,” she said. “We have informed the higher authorities and submitted our demand. Once supply resumes, free vaccination will restart.”
Health officials said ARV is needed for minor bites and RIG for severe injuries, and the shortage is putting high-risk patients in greater danger.
