Tamil Nadu Implements 24/7 Anti-Rabies Vaccination at PHCs

Chennai, Tamil Nadu – The Directorate of Public Health (DPH) of Tamil Nadu has mandated that all primary healthcare centers (PHCs) across the state provide round-the-clock anti-rabies vaccinations for victims of animal bites. This directive was issued following alarming reports of a significant shortage of anti-rabies vaccines, as highlighted in a recent investigation by the Times of India (TOI). According to Dr. T S Selva Vinayagam, Director of Public Health, the initiative aims to ensure prompt and effective post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to mitigate the increasing incidence of rabies-related fatalities in the state.

The recent directive is a response to a troubling trend in rabies occurrences in Tamil Nadu, where the number of dog bites has surged. Official records indicate that in 2025, the state reported 18 rabies deaths and over 300,000 dog bite cases. This represents a significant increase from the previous year, which recorded 4.41 lakh bites and 18 deaths. Dr. Vinayagam emphasized the critical need for immediate medical intervention following animal bites, stating, "Prompt and correct PEP is critical. We have instructed all PHCs to administer the vaccine round the clock."

Historically, rabies has been a serious public health issue in India, with approximately 20,000 deaths reported annually from rabies-related complications (WHO, 2020). The disease is caused by the rabies virus and is transmitted through animal bites. Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. Dr. Vinayagam noted that recent cases in Kerala, where three children died despite receiving vaccinations, underscore the need for proper wound treatment and timely administration of rabies immunoglobulin in severe cases.

The DPH's recent investigations revealed that many PHCs had previously imposed strict midday cutoffs for vaccinations due to concerns over vaccine wastage. This practice limited access to life-saving treatments for victims who often arrived after operational hours. However, under the new directive, all PHCs will be required to have nurses on duty at all times to attend to emergencies, ensuring that vaccinations are administered without delay.

The health department is also planning to procure single-dose vials of vaccines, which will reduce wastage associated with multi-dose vials. A senior official from the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation stated, "The government typically purchases multi-dose vials due to their cost-effectiveness, but we are now exploring single-dose options to enhance efficiency and access."

The implications of this directive are profound, as it aligns with public health goals to control rabies and enhance the readiness of healthcare facilities to respond to emergencies. Experts believe that timely access to post-exposure prophylaxis can drastically reduce the likelihood of rabies development following bites. Dr. Anil Kumar, an epidemiologist at the Indian Institute of Public Health, commented, "The initiative to provide 24/7 vaccination services is a commendable step forward in addressing a public health crisis that has long been neglected."

As the state moves to implement these changes, public awareness campaigns will also be critical. The DPH plans to engage communities in understanding the importance of seeking immediate medical care after animal bites and the role of vaccination in preventing rabies. Rabies remains a preventable disease, yet it continues to claim lives due to delays in treatment and awareness gaps.

In summary, Tamil Nadu's commitment to 24/7 anti-rabies vaccination at PHCs represents a significant shift in public health policy aimed at combating rabies. By improving access to vaccinations and reducing barriers to care, the state hopes to protect its citizens from this deadly disease and foster a healthier environment for all.