PMC Offers Free Anti-Rabies Vaccination at Civic Hospitals, Urges Citizens Not to Delay Treatment

Pune | 26 March 2026: In a significant public health initiative, the Pune Municipal Corporation has intensified its free anti-rabies vaccination programme across civic hospitals and maternity centres, urging citizens to immediately seek medical attention after any dog or animal bite.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is providing free anti-rabies vaccination (ARV) and treatment services at its hospitals and maternity centres, strengthening public access to life-saving care after animal bites.

Health officials said facilities such as Kamla Nehru Hospital are administering anti-rabies vaccines without charging patients, ensuring that cost does not become a barrier for timely treatment. Civic hospitals collectively administer nearly 1,600 to 2,000 vaccine doses every month, while the city’s annual requirement is estimated to be around 60,000 doses.

PMC health authorities stressed that rabies is a deadly viral infection which is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. However, it remains completely preventable if post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is taken without delay. The virus typically spreads through the saliva of infected animals, entering the human body through bites, scratches or open wounds.

Dr Sanjeev Wavare, while explaining the treatment protocol, said that even minor bites or scratches require medical evaluation and vaccination. In cases of low-risk exposure, patients are generally administered three to five doses of anti-rabies vaccine following a fixed schedule, including doses on Day 0, Day 7, Day 14 and Day 28.

For severe bite cases involving deep wounds or bites on sensitive areas such as the face, neck or hands, the treatment includes both immunoglobulin injections and the vaccine. Immunoglobulin provides immediate protection until the vaccine triggers the body’s immune response, making it critical in high-risk cases.

PMC officials said serious or complicated cases are referred to Naidu Infectious Diseases Hospital for advanced treatment and monitoring.

The civic administration highlighted the financial benefit of the free service, noting that while the vaccine costs the PMC around ₹125 to ₹150 per dose, it is being provided free to the public. In contrast, private hospitals typically charge ₹300 to ₹400 per dose, and immunoglobulin injections can cost ₹4,000 or more, making treatment expensive for many families.

Health department officials also stated that no rabies-related deaths have been reported within Pune city limits in recent data, which they attributed to increasing awareness and timely vaccination.

The PMC has appealed to residents to avoid relying on home remedies or delaying treatment after an animal bite, warning that even a small scratch can become dangerous if left untreated.

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