DOG-bite and snake- bite vaccination is not available at Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centres (RHCs) of Sahiwal district. The number of patients affected by dog- and snake-bite is greater in rural areas, but the vaccine for dog-bite and snake-bite is not available at BHUs and RHCs. The affected patients have to visit the Punjab Health Facility Management Company’s office (PHFMC) like THQ or DHQ to get vaccinated, which are located in the city area.

Although a dog-bite patient needs immediate treatment, one can safely wait even for 24 to 48 hours without a risk to the patient.

However, in the case of snake-bite a patient needs to be treated urgently. Any delay for three hours increases the death ratio. The district health authority, Sahiwal, should ensure the availability of these vaccines.

Humyra Afzal

Sahiwal

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2017