Lok Sabha Question No. 2098 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Rabies cases
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Raja A

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2098 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.12.2025

## RABIES CASES

## 2098. SHRI RAJA A:

Will the MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government is aware of the increasing number of rabies cases in the country and the risk it poses to public health and if so, the details thereof;

(b) the steps being taken by the Government to strengthen post-bite treatment facilities and ensure availability of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin in the country, particularly in Tamil Nadu;

(c) whether any special awareness campaigns on public health drives have been launched with the guidelines and training materials to prevent rabies in urban and rural areas of the country; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) to (d) Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease that causes encephalitis in human s and other mammals. Under National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP) for prevention and control of Rabies, strategies includes training on appropriate animal bite management, surveillance and intersectoral coordination, strengthening surveillance of Animal Bites, provision of procurement of Anti-Rabies Vaccine for animal bite victims through the National Free Drug Initiative and Information, Education & Communication (IEC) activities to create awareness.

Health is a State subject and the responsibility of strengthening public healthcare system lies with the respective State/ Union Territory Governments. Under National Health Mission (NHM), the Ministry provides technical and financial support to States/ Union Territory for strengthening their healthcare systems based on the proposals submitted by them in their Program Implementation Plans (PIPs), subject to norms & availability of resources.

Further, to effectively control Rabies, 'National Action Plan For Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination (NAPRE)' has been launched by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare alongwith Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India. The details of implementation of activities under NAPRE can be accessed at-

## https://rabiesfreeindia.mohfw.gov.in/resources/uploads/PageContentPdf/169391359514.pdf

The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India has framed Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. According to the said Rules, the Local Authorities are mandated for establishment of infrastructure for the Animal Birth Control Centers.

The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India is financially assisting States for purchase of antirabies vaccine under the component 'Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases' (ASCAD) of Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) as per the demand and action plan received from States.

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