Ahmedabad: In response to the rising number of dog bite cases across the city, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has decided to make rabies vaccination available at all Urban Health Centers. The move aims to ensure that anyone bitten by a dog can promptly receive the first dose of the anti-rabies vaccine at the nearest health facility without delay.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the Health and Solid Waste Management Committee held on Tuesday. Until now, rabies vaccination services were available at around 25 urban and community health centers and selected hospitals in the city. With the new resolution, the facility will be extended to every Urban Health Center operated by the AMC.

Committee Chairman Jashubhai Thakor stated that immediate vaccination after a dog bite is critical to preventing rabies infection. By expanding availability, residents will be able to access treatment within a few hours of an incident by visiting the nearest Urban Health Center.

Officials explained that a single vial of rabies vaccine contains five doses, all of which must be administered within a day once opened. To avoid wastage, individuals requiring subsequent doses may be directed to another health or community center where an opened vial is available, ensuring efficient use of vaccine supplies while maintaining uninterrupted treatment.

The initiative is expected to strengthen the city’s public health response and provide faster, more accessible protection against rabies for residents. DeshGujarat