Acute shortage of anti-rabies vaccine could trigger ban on export of drug

NEW DELHI: The government plans to ban export of anti-rabies vaccine in the wake of acute shortage of the drug across the country. The proposed ban is expected to be implemented by end of this week, top official sources said.

“The health ministry has drawn a proposal, which has been sent to the law ministry for vetting. Once we get a go ahead from there, it will be notified,” a senior official told TOI.

Though there are around five manufacturers of the vaccine in India including major drug makers like Bharat Biotech, Serum Institute and Indian Immunologicals, there is a 20-80% shortage in anti-rabies vaccines in almost all states, the official said.

Government estimates show the five companies together manufactures 50 million doses of anti-rabies vaccine in India against a demand of 48 million doses annually. However, more than 30% of the production is exported to countries across the world where they fetch a higher price.

Most government hospitals and dispensaries across the country have been facing an acute shortage of anti-rabies vaccine for almost a year now. In fact, a recent tender for government procurement of the vaccine by Delhi government did not receive participation from any of the companies.

“The vaccine is not even easily available in the open market. We have raised the issue with the government’s central procurement agency, but even it has not received the supply,” doctors from central as well as Delhi government hospitals said.

In India, the vaccine costs around Rs 300 in market. However, it is provided free of cost in government hospitals.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), India accounts for 36% of rabies deaths that occur worldwide each year. While one can develop the disease if bitten or scratched by any rabid mammal, such as a monkey or a bat, WHO says dogs contribute up to 99% of all rabies transmitted to humans; and children are the usual victims.

A 2015 study, published in peer-reviewed PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, estimates India witnesses about 20,800 rabies deaths every year—the highest in the world. Congo, with a mortality figure of 7,000, ranks second in its list.

Providing treatment to the victims, within 10 days of infection, is considered an effective way of protecting people. However, shortage of anti-rabies vaccine has raised concerns among both the medical fraternity as well as the government.