Kushtia is facing a severe shortage of rabies vaccines, causing distress among local residents.
The vaccine, which is crucial for preventing rabies in people bitten by animals such as dogs, cats, monkeys, and wild boars, is unavailable at government hospitals, upazila health centres, or pharmacies across the district.
The shortage has left numerous patients and their families in a state of uncertainty, with many traveling from one district to another in search of the vital vaccine. The situation has worsened as people continue to suffer due to the lack of availability, especially with increasing cases of animal bites.
Mohammad Robiul Islam, who came to collect the vaccine for his mother, explained, “A cat bit my mother five to six days ago. She has received two doses so far, with the third dose scheduled for Saturday. However, I’ve checked at multiple pharmacies in Kushtia, including Amin Pharmacy, Kumkum Pharmacy, and Incepta’s depot, but none of them have the vaccine in stock. They have assured me that it might be available next week, but I’m unsure. Now, I have to consult the doctor for alternative arrangements.”
Another local resident, Mohammad Shahin Iqbal Shanto, who was bitten by a cat, expressed his frustration, saying, “I came here to get the rabies vaccine, but there is none available in Kushtia. This shortage has been ongoing for almost a week. Today, I had to pay Tk1,000 to bring the vaccine from Jhenaidah through a relative. It is disappointing that Kushtia, a major medical district, does not have rabies vaccines. It’s frightening to think about the situation for those bitten by dogs. If the vaccine is not provided on time, their lives are at risk.”
Nur Bappi, the owner of Merin Pharmacy in Kushtia Sadar, confirmed the ongoing crisis, stating, “On average, we used to sell 40 to 45 rabies vaccines per day. Many pharmacies, including ours, used to supply these vaccines, with Incepta and Popular Pharmaceuticals being the primary suppliers. Incepta has provided the vaccine occasionally, but Popular has stopped supplying it altogether. This irregularity has caused considerable inconvenience for our customers. We haven’t received the vaccine for over a month now.”
Officials at Kushtia General Hospital’s rabies department also reported the dire situation. Mohammad Raju Ahmed, a staff member, explained, “We have been unable to receive vaccine supplies from the government, and it is also unavailable in the market. Today, 128 patients came to us, all of whom had brought the vaccine from outside sources. Most of the cases involve cat bites. Rabies vaccines are essential for treating bites from dogs, cats, monkeys, and wild boars.”
Dr Hossain Imam, the Residential Medical Officer of Kushtia 250-bed General Hospital, stated, “The rabies vaccine has not been supplied by the government for the last six months. The situation has worsened over the past month, as the private suppliers, Incepta and Popular, are unable to provide it. As a result, patients are facing extreme hardship. Rabies is a severe and fatal disease, and without timely treatment and vaccination, death is inevitable. We have raised the issue internally, and the higher authorities are in contact with the pharmaceutical companies. We hope the crisis will be resolved soon, and additional demand for vaccines will be sent to prevent shortages in the future.”
The shortage of the rabies vaccine in Kushtia continues to put residents’ lives at risk, with patients forced to travel to other districts in search of treatment. Authorities are working to address the issue, but the situation remains critical.
