The Punjab government has taken a significant step to combat the rising number of dog bite incidents across the state. Officials have expanded free anti-rabies vaccination services to 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics. This move aims to address the nearly 3 lakh dog bite cases reported every year in Punjab.
Addressing a Critical Public Health Issue
Previously, access to anti-rabies vaccination was limited to just 48 primary health centres. This restriction forced many victims to travel long distances for treatment. Children, elderly individuals, and daily wage workers often faced the brunt of this inconvenience.
Patients had to wait for hours at these limited centres. Many lost wages due to the time spent seeking medical help. In numerous cases, people abandoned the crucial five-dose vaccination schedule midway. The gaps in the system created severe human costs.
Minister's Statement on Healthcare Commitment
Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh emphasized the state's commitment to protecting every life. He stated that Punjab is dedicated to providing accessible and affordable healthcare for all residents.
"With nearly three lakh dog bite cases annually, expanding anti-rabies vaccination services to 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics represents a critical public health milestone," Dr Singh said. "By ensuring timely and complete treatment close to people's homes, we are building a safer and healthier Punjab."
Transforming Patient Access and Experience
The expansion of services to Aam Aadmi Clinics has transformed how dog bite victims receive treatment. These clinics together recorded over 4.6 crore OPD visits. They treat nearly 70,000 patients every day across Punjab.
By integrating anti-rabies vaccination services across these clinics, the state government has ensured that a dog bite no longer leads to panic or excessive expense. Patients no longer face significant delays in receiving crucial medical attention.
Immediate Treatment Without Barriers
Immediate treatment is now available close to home for residents across Punjab. Patients can access care without long queues or extensive travel. The government has removed any financial burden by providing the full five-dose vaccination course free of cost at the nearest clinic.
Over the past four months alone, an average of 1,500 dog bite patients have reported to Aam Aadmi Clinics every month. Patients can now start treatment within minutes of arrival at these clinics. This rapid response significantly reduces the risk of rabies fatalities across the state.
The expansion represents a practical solution to a persistent public health challenge. It brings essential medical services directly to communities that need them most.
