In a significant move to combat rabies, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a directive requiring all government and private medical colleges and institutions across India to maintain a mandatory, uninterrupted stock of anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) and rabies immunoglobulin (RIG). This order comes in direct response to time-bound directions from the Supreme Court of India, aiming to ensure timely and complete treatment for victims of dog bites.
Supreme Court's Suo Motu Case Triggers Action
The apex court's intervention was prompted by a suo motu case it initiated based on a Times of India report titled "City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay Price," published on July 28, 2025. The report highlighted the alarming rise in dog-bite incidents within sensitive public spaces like schools, hospitals, and other institutions. Taking serious note, the Supreme Court flagged these dangers and ordered concrete steps to secure such premises and, crucially, to ensure the availability of life-saving treatment.
The court's directives were formally conveyed to all states, union territories, and central authorities by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava. Following this, the NMC has now instructed the principals, deans, and heads of all medical colleges and institutions to implement the outlined measures without delay.
Why ARV and RIG Are Crucial for Treatment
The NMC's notice emphasizes the critical, complementary roles of the two mandated medical supplies. The anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) is essential as it helps the body develop its own immunity against the deadly rabies virus after a person has been exposed. On the other hand, rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is administered in cases of severe or high-risk bites. It provides immediate, ready-made antibodies to fight the virus, offering crucial protection in the window before the vaccine itself becomes effective.
By mandating the uninterrupted availability of both ARV and RIG at all associated hospitals, the NMC aims to eliminate treatment delays that can have fatal consequences.
Broader Measures for Public Safety
Beyond the medical preparedness order, the Supreme Court's comprehensive directions also encompass infrastructural security. The court has ordered that various public places be identified and secured to prevent stray dog entries. The list of locations includes:
- Educational institutions
- Hospitals and medical facilities
- Sports complexes
- Bus stands
- Railway stations
The prescribed security measures involve the construction of boundary walls, fencing, and similar barriers, all to be completed within stipulated timelines. This two-pronged approach of prevention through securing premises and cure through guaranteed medical stocks represents a holistic effort to address a pressing public health and safety issue across the nation.
The NMC's directive places the onus squarely on medical institutions, making them the frontline defense in the national effort to prevent rabies deaths, ensuring that no dog-bite victim is turned away due to a lack of essential medicines.
