Mumbai hospitals short of Anti-Rabies Vaccine amid rising dog bite cases

Despite growing demand, the BMC’s central medical store in Kanjurmarg, its main ARV supplier, is reportedly out of stock. Representation pic/istock

Mumbai's peripheral civic hospitals are facing a critical shortage of Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV), with the current stock expected to last only five to seven days. The shortage comes amid a noticeable surge in dog bite cases across the city.

Despite the growing demand, the BMC's central medical store in Kanjurmarg, its main ARV supplier, is reportedly out of stock. "It's been almost a month since we've been told to buy ARVs locally. The central purchase department hasn't procured vials, so the central store hasn't received any," said Dr Vinod Khade, medical superintendent of K B Bhabha Hospital, Bandra. Echoing similar concerns, Dr Nitiraj Mane, CMO at Shri Harilal Bhagwati Hospital, Borivli, said, "Every Monday, our pharmacist would restock ARVs from the central store. But for the past few weeks, we've had to turn to other BMC vendors as the central supply has dried up."

Running on fumes

While hospitals have enough ARV stock to last a week or so, there's growing worry about running out entirely if dog bite cases rise. "The last batch we procured might last seven to 10 days, but only if cases stay stable. We get around 25 to 30 dog bite cases daily," said Dr Bharti Rajulwala, CMO, Rajawadi Hospital, Ghatkopar.

Dr Khade added, "One vial contains 1 ml, enough for three to four patients depending on bite severity. We consume eight to nine vials daily. If patient numbers rise, our current stock could be gone in three or four days. We're already seeing 150 to 200 cases per week."

Cost concerns loom

Dr Khade also flagged fears of rising costs if hospitals are forced to rely solely on private vendors. "Right now, we're buying at BMC-negotiated rates. However, vendors might start charging private pharmacy rates due to the shortage. The price difference may be R50-R70 per vial, which adds up when buying in bulk," he said. While patient care hasn't yet been affected, Khade warned it could be soon if procurement doesn't resume.

Procurement logjam

Hospitals are blaming procedural delays and a messy tendering process for the disruption. mid-day found that the ARV shortage appears to stem from an internal blame game between departments.

The central procurement department says hospitals failed to place timely orders. "We procure only after getting official requests. Our job is to buy and supply, not to track which hospital needs what," said Pandurang Gosavi, deputy municipal commissioner, central procurement, BMC.

In contrast, Dr Chandrakant Pawar from the Peripheral Hospitals Department pointed to tendering issues. "There have been issues with the tendering process. If the process were under my control, this wouldn't happen. I've asked hospitals to buy ARVs locally to ensure patients don't suffer."