Despite claims by the Delhi government regarding the sufficient availability of medical supplies, patients in the capital are facing a tough time due to a shortage of the Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV). The situation has become critical in East Delhi, specifically in the Yamuna Paar region, where several government hospitals have reported a complete stock-out. Patients bitten by stray dogs are being forced to run from one hospital to another, only to find that the vaccines are unavailable at their local centers.
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Which hospitals are facing a vaccine shortage?
The shortage is most acute in the Yamuna Paar area. Major hospitals like Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital in Shastri Park and Dr. Hedgewar Arogya Sansthan in Karkardooma currently have no stock of the anti-rabies vaccine. These hospitals, which serve a large population, are unable to administer doses to new patients.
Due to the unavailability of vaccines at these centers, doctors are referring patients to other facilities. Hospital management at these locations has indicated that while the demand was projected in advance, delays from the Central Procurement Agency (CPA) have led to this sudden crisis. This has left many local residents worried, especially given the high number of stray dog incidents in these neighborhoods.
What is the situation at GTB Hospital?
With local hospitals running dry, patients are flocking to Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital, which is the only major facility in the area currently having stock. This has resulted in an unprecedented rush. Reports indicate that over 2,000 patients are arriving at GTB daily just to get their anti-rabies shots.
The scene at GTB is chaotic, with patients having to wait in lines for several hours to get treated. Since smaller hospitals are redirecting everyone here, the pressure on GTB’s resources has increased significantly. Medical experts warn that delays in receiving the vaccine can be risky, especially for severe bites, making the long wait times a serious concern.
What are the rules and costs involved?
Under Delhi Government rules, the Anti-Rabies Vaccine and Rabies Immunoglobulin (serum) are supposed to be provided free of cost at state-run hospitals. However, due to the current shortage, many might be forced to look at private pharmacies where a single dose costs between ₹330 to ₹450, and a full course can cost over ₹2,000.
The Delhi Government recently declared Human Rabies a “Notifiable Disease” in January 2026, making it mandatory to report cases. Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh has stated that rabies deaths are unacceptable and has directed officials to fix the supply gap immediately. Following a Supreme Court mandate, hospitals are legally required to maintain stock at all times, a rule that is currently being tested by these supply chain issues.
