THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, January 6: Dog bite victims are being forced to travel to Manika in Latehar district or to MMCH Daltonganj after the Ayushman Arogya Mandir at Satbarwa ran out of anti-rabies vaccines for nearly 10 to 12 days.
On Monday alone, around a dozen dog bite victims reached the Satbarwa government health facility but returned without receiving even the first dose of the anti-rabies vaccine due to non-availability.
Health Facility Admits Vaccine Shortage
Medical Officer-in-Charge Dr Jairam Singh confirmed that the health centre has been without anti-rabies vaccines for the past 10 to 12 days.
“During this period, dog bite victims returned without getting any injection. Some went to Manika Community Health Centre in Latehar district, while others went to MMCH Daltonganj,” he said.
Manika is around 15 km from Satbarwa, while MMCH Daltonganj is nearly 27 km away.
Civil Surgeon Claims Lack of Information
Civil Surgeon Dr Anil Kumar Srivastwa said the shortage was not reported to him during this period.
“I came to know about it only late Monday night. I have directed the concerned officials to ensure that anti-rabies vaccines reach Satbarwa positively by Tuesday,” he said.
Questions Over Accountability and Negligence
The prolonged absence of anti-rabies vaccines at a government health facility has raised serious questions about accountability. Dog bite victims were forced to spend extra time and money travelling to other centres for treatment—an avoidable situation had timely procurement been ensured.
It is also concerning that senior health अधिकारियों were not informed about the shortage for nearly two weeks.
Supreme Court Directives Allegedly Ignored
The Supreme Court has issued clear directions for ensuring proper and timely medical care for dog bite victims. However, the situation at Satbarwa suggests a disregard of these directives by local health authorities.
Sources have urged Palamu Deputy Commissioner Sameera S to order a probe into the lapse and negligence in maintaining anti-rabies vaccine supplies at the Ayushman Arogya Mandir in Satbarwa.
