An escalating number of dog-bite incidents are inundating public sector hospitals in Karachi, exacerbating the pressure on facilities already grappling with a severe shortage of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG), a crucial serum for serious animal exposures. Doctors at the Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK) disclosed that the daily influx of dog-bite patients has surged dramatically over the past 10 days.
CHK Medical Superintendent, Dr S.M. Khalid Bukhari, reported treating over 500 dog-bite cases in the last three days alone. He noted that this figure excludes follow-up visits during this period. Typically, the hospital contends with around 900 dog-bite cases monthly, with approximately 1,900 follow-up visits by patients. Dr. Bukhari highlighted the urgency of the situation, indicating that CHK had a dedicated rabies prevention clinic operating for over 15 years.
The surge in dog-bite cases spans various areas in Karachi, with a significant number reported from Golimar, Lyari, Baldia, Orangi Town, and Gadap Town. Dr. Liaquat Ali Halo, CHK’s Additional Medical Superintendent, emphasized instances where a single dog injured multiple individuals, including children. Some cases were referrals from a major tertiary care hospital in the city, with patients directed to CHK for RIG administration following rabies vaccination.
The shortage of RIG, a costly medication, plagues CHK and the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), the two public hospitals providing dog-bite treatment. The supply of RIG from the health department has nearly halted, prompting hospitals to source the serum from their own budgets. JPMC, facing challenges in RIG availability, still treats 150-200 dog-bite patients daily.
The situation in Karachi is worsening, with over 13,000 dog-bite cases reported this year. Aftab Gohar, Manager of The Indus Hospital’s Rabies Prevention and Training Centre, attributed the rising cases to the breeding season of canines, occurring twice a year from March to April and October to November.
As public hospitals grapple with the influx of patients and a scarcity of rabies serum, concerns persist over the absence of a comprehensive government initiative to address the escalating dog-bite problem in the city.
