Pabna, Jan 7 (V7N) - Hospitals across Pabna district have been without rabies vaccines for the past three months, leaving patients and their families scrambling for alternatives. Those in need are forced to buy the vaccine at steep prices from private suppliers, as repeated requests from hospital authorities to replenish stocks have gone unanswered.

Patients Speak Out

During a visit to Pabna General Hospital on Tuesday morning, patients' relatives shared their frustrations.

Abdul Hamid, a guardian, lamented, “This is a big hospital, but an essential vaccine like rabies is unavailable. It’s been three months. Where can poor people like us turn to now?”

Monirul Islam, another affected individual, expressed his difficulty, saying, “We can’t afford to buy the vaccine from outside. We came to Pabna Sadar hoping it would be available, but there’s nothing here either. We’re demanding the immediate supply of this vaccine.”

Hospital Authorities Raise Alarms

The 250-bed Pabna General Hospital ran out of rabies vaccines in September 2024. Assistant Director Dr. Rafiqul Hasan confirmed that two requests were sent to higher authorities: the first in July and the second on September 26, 2024, for 10,000 doses of Rabies VC and 2,000 doses of Rabies IG.

Dr. Hasan noted, “Even if we receive the requested supply, it will only cover around 2,000 doses—sufficient for about three months. We require 700–800 doses monthly on average in Pabna.”

Widespread Impact

The shortage has caused daily frustrations for patients who travel long distances to access treatment. Many return empty-handed from upazila hospitals and Pabna General Hospital, forced to borrow money to purchase vaccines privately.

The rabies vaccine is critical for treating bites from rabid animals, and delays in treatment can result in life-threatening consequences.

Calls for Urgent Action

Patients and healthcare workers alike are urging immediate intervention from higher authorities to address the vaccine shortage. The Assistant Director of Pabna General Hospital emphasized the urgency, stating, “We’ve written repeatedly, but no vaccines have arrived. This delay is unacceptable for a vaccine of such critical importance.”

The growing crisis highlights the need for efficient management and timely distribution of medical supplies to ensure no lives are lost to preventable diseases.

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