Govt trying to provide vaccine at health centres: Director
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 28 2022:
As elsewhere in the world, National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP), Directorate of Health Services, NHM in association with Directorate of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry observed the 16th World Rabies Day at IMA Hall, Lamphel, here, on Wednesday.
As part of the observance, a cycle rally was flagged off from the western gate of Kangla by State Surveillance Officer (SSO) Dr Ksh Roshan, with the aim of spreading awareness on rabies.
The rally culminated at IMA.
In his speech as the chief guest of the observance, Health Services director Dr Khoirom Sasheekumar Mangang remarked that many people in the state have often times opted to consult a shaman instead of medical doctors when bitten by a dog or other animals.
As such, the department concerned has begun working with the shamans to put an end to ra bies in the state.
Although the shamans, regarded as traditional healers, have been contacted, the training is yet to be initiated.
Nonetheless, efforts are on to completely annihilate rabies from the state as part of WHO's target to put an end to the same by 2030, he said, while expressing hope that Manipur would be able to achieve this target.
The director then said that timely intervention and vaccination could help prevent rabies in humans after getting bitten by an infected animal.
Although there are not many rabies cases in the state due to proper care of pets and timely treatment, the present scene must not be taken lightly.
In 2022, two people died after contracting rabies.
Manipur reports 300-400 dog bites in a year.
If pet owners are properly informed about this disease and treatment is provided in timely manner, the infected people can recover well.
Sasheekumar continued that the government had appointed a State Nodal Officer with the task of recording the cases of dog bites and providing treatment facilities.
Apart from this, a joint initiative has been taken up with the veterinary department to take up measures and programmes for pets as well as wildlife.
Anti-rabies vaccine cost around Rs 300-400 .
There are times when the vaccine is not available.
As such, the government is trying to sup ply the anti rabies vaccine at health centres, he conveyed.
APCRI life member Dr Ksh Manglem, who attended as resource person, spoke on rabies and also showed a video on the behaviour/ symptoms exhibited by an infected person.
Presided over by NHM State Mission director Dr Somorjit Ningombam, the observance was attended by Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Services specialist (RP) Dr Potshangbam Pusparani as guest of honour.
KAKCHING: District Health Society, Kakching observed the 16th World Rabies Day on the theme 'One Health Zero Deaths' at Kakching Municipal Council conference hall on Wednesday.
The observance was attended by Kakching CMO Dr Th Rajen, DSO/DNO Dr Kh Gopeshwar and staffers of District Health Society.
SENAPATI: Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services, Senapati observed World Rabies Day at Senapati ground under the theme 'Rabies- One Health Zero Death' on Wednesday.
During the event, a Free Anti-Rabies Vaccination Camp was held with large numbers of dogs getting vaccinated by veterinary doctors.
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