Ranchi, September 28, 2026: A special awareness programme was organised at Sadar Hospital, Ranchi, on World Rabies Awareness Day to educate people about rabies prevention and the importance of immediate treatment after animal bites or scratches.
Health officials and doctors urged people not to ignore animal bites and to seek medical care without delay. They advised that the wound should be washed thoroughly with soap and running water for around 15 minutes immediately after an animal bite or scratch.
Civil Surgeon Ranchi Dr. Amarendra Prasad said that the first few minutes after an animal bite are extremely important. He said that timely medical treatment, proper wound management and vaccination can prevent rabies.
Dr. Prabhat Kumar, Director-cum-State Nodal Officer, National Rabies Control Programme, said that anti-rabies vaccine is available 24x7 at the district hospital. He added that vaccination facilities are also available at Community Health Centres and efforts are being made to extend the facility to Primary Health Centres.
State Epidemiologist Dr. Praveen Karn said that a special rabies awareness campaign is being conducted from September 22 to 28. He highlighted the importance of timely vaccination and said that the government aims to eliminate rabies-related deaths by 2030.
He also stressed the One Health approach, under which the human health, animal health and environmental sectors need to work together for effective rabies prevention.
RIMS's Dr. Samson Toppo explained the importance of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), which may include proper wound management, rabies vaccination and, in certain serious exposures, rabies immunoglobulin.
Dr. Manoj Kumar advised people who are bitten or scratched by dogs or other potentially infected animals to immediately consult a doctor and complete the recommended vaccination.
State Nodal Officer IEC Dr. Rahul Kishore urged pet owners to ensure timely vaccination of their animals and advised people not to depend on home remedies after an animal bite.
Dr. B.N. Chaurasia stressed the need to include rabies awareness in school education so that children understand prevention and the immediate steps to take after an animal bite.
During the programme, healthcare workers and members of the public were informed about rabies prevention, wound washing, vaccination, PEP and pet vaccination.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by District Programme Manager Praveen Kumar Singh.
Public Health Message: Animal bite or scratch? Wash the wound with soap and running water for around 15 minutes and seek medical advice immediately.
