Taxila Father Struggles to Secure Rabies Treatment for Son

In Taxila, a recent incident involving a young boy bitten by a rabid dog has shed light on the challenges faced by residents in accessing crucial medical care. Mohammad Kamran, a father from Taxila, had to navigate through multiple medical facilities to secure rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) for his son after the initial attack.

The incident occurred when Kamran's son, Saim Ali, was playing outside their home in Railway Colony and was bitten by a rabid dog. Despite seeking treatment at various hospitals, including Tehsil Headquarters Hospital and Benazir Bhutto Hospital in Rawalpindi, the family struggled to find the necessary RIG. It was only after visiting the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) in Islamabad that they were able to obtain the life-saving injection.

Reports of similar cases in Taxila have highlighted the issue of stray dogs in urban areas and the challenges in accessing rabies vaccines at government health centers. The responsibility of controlling the stray dog population lies with the municipal committee and cantonment board, but negligence has led to a surge in dog-bite incidents, especially during hot and humid weather.

Rabies, a deadly viral disease transmitted through infected animal saliva, requires immediate treatment to prevent fatalities. The shortage of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) has posed significant challenges for the health department in providing adequate care to those exposed to rabid animals. Dr. Syed Asad Ali, President of the local chapter of Pakistan Academy of Family Physicians, emphasized the critical need for timely administration of RIG to prevent rabies infection and save lives.

Authorities in Taxila have acknowledged the rise in dog-bite cases and are taking steps to address the issue. Deputy District Officer Health Dr. Shahzad Rasool confirmed the high number of cases in government hospitals, with victims receiving necessary vaccinations. Assistant Commissioner Salman Akbar Warriach highlighted ongoing efforts by the Tehsil Municipal Administration to control the stray dog population through special drives.

Citizens have urged the provincial government to intervene and implement effective measures to tackle the stray dog menace in Taxila. With the increasing concern over rabies infections and the challenges in accessing vital vaccines, it is crucial for authorities to take swift action to protect the community from this public health threat.