Rabies is caused by a Ribonucleic Acid(RNA) virus that is present in the saliva of a rabid animal. It is transmitted following a bite of a rabid animal that leads to deposition of the saliva and the virus in the wound. 

India accounts for more than one-third of the world’s rabies deaths. 

Each year, as many as 20,000 people die due to the vaccine-preventable fatality.  

India has a population of 30 million stray dogs which cause 96% of rabies in humans. 

 It's not like India produces lesser number of doses than required — against an annual demand of 48 million ARV doses, the country produces 50 million. 

However, 30% of those vaccines — 15 million — are exported, leaving India with a shortfall of 13 million. 

The shortage has led to surge in demand and doubling of price in summer months, when dogs are in heat period and aggressive for mating. 

Government hospitals have resorted to local purchase of ARV, which has seen a uptick in OOPE for the patients(Approx. Rs.2000.) 

Efficient planning & stocking; Stray dogs sterilization drive; Inter-ministerial co-ordination; PPPs; Reporting the sight of rabid animal to authorities.