New Delhi: Rabies has become a major public health concern, so the National Medical Commission (NMC) has asked all medical colleges and institutions across the country to implement a five-pronged strategy for timely case management, surveillance, training, and community awareness. The NMC’s directive follows a directive from the Ministry of Health, which aims to completely eliminate dog-borne rabies by 2030.
Citing a letter issued by V. Hekali Zhimomi, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Health, the NMC stated that rabies remains a major public health concern in India, primarily due to dog-borne infection. “It is 100 percent fatal, but it is almost 100 percent preventable with the timely administration of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) immediately after an animal bite,” the NMC said.
In 2021, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD) jointly conceptualized and launched a National Action Plan (NAPRE) for the elimination of dog-borne rabies by 2030. The NMC stated, “Medical colleges and institutions play a crucial role in ensuring timely case management, surveillance, training, and community awareness.”
The NMC directed periodic training for medical staff, ensuring availability of PEP logistics, maintaining an animal bite risk (ABE) register, monitoring and data reporting, as well as creating awareness at the facility level.
According to the data, Karnataka reported 139 rabies cases and 42 deaths, followed by Madhya Pradesh (121) and Maharashtra (119). The top three states with the highest number of dog bite cases were Maharashtra (119). In fact, India recorded 1,097 human rabies cases and 180 deaths in 2024.
A Major Issue
The issue of stray dogs has become a major concern in India, and the Supreme Court has also intervened on the issue. Last month, the Supreme Court issued a modified order directing that stray dogs be released back to their original habitats after sterilization and vaccination, except for those that are rabid or aggressive. The court also banned public feeding of stray dogs in unauthorized areas and ordered the creation of designated feeding areas in each colony.
Municipalities have the right to control the stray dog population
Under Article 243(W) of the Indian Constitution, municipalities have the right to control the stray dog population. Municipalities are implementing animal birth control (ABC) programs to stabilize the stray dog population.
To strengthen this initiative, the Central Government has notified the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 under G.S.R. 193(E) dated March 10, 2023, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which replace the earlier ABC (Dogs) Rules, 2001. These rules emphasize sterilization and anti-rabies vaccination as the primary means of dog population management.
In addition, the Central Government has amended the existing scheme for birth control and vaccination of stray dogs. Under this scheme, financial assistance of up to Rs. 800 per dog and Rs. 600 per cat is provided to state veterinary agencies and local bodies for conducting ABC as per the 2023 rules.
National Rabies Control Program
S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, recently informed Parliament that the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare implements the National Rabies Control Program (NRCP) for the prevention and control of rabies.
Citizens Raised Concerns
Speaking to ETV Bharat, Mohit Sharma, estate manager of Nirala Estate in Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, said that this issue needs to be resolved through a public-private partnership (PPP).
Sharma said, “The government keeps issuing directives and guidelines, but such directives can be implemented with the cooperation of citizens. It is true that if we had a designated place to feed them, there would be no stray dogs everywhere. Citizens can also play a big role in this direction.”
Echoing the same sentiment, V.K. Nagpal, a senior member of the Resident Welfare Association (RWA), told this reporter that people should feed stray dogs at a designated place. Nagpal said, “If we all follow some basic principles, we can definitely prevent human-animal conflict.”
According to renowned health expert Dr. Tamorish Kole, citizens, and especially RWAs, can play a vital role in preventing dog bite incidents by being active partners in both awareness and action.
According to Dr. Kole, former president of the Society for Emergency Medicine, India, RWAs can spread awareness about immediate first aid measures after dog bites—such as thoroughly washing wounds with soap and water and seeking immediate medical attention.
