In a major public health move, the Delhi government has declared rabies in humans as a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act. The decision aims to strengthen disease surveillance, ensure early reporting, and enable faster medical intervention to prevent rabies-related deaths in the national capital.
Announcing the decision at the Delhi Secretariat, Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh said the notification will soon be formally issued and will be effective immediately. Once enforced, all government and private healthcare institutions—including medical colleges and individual practitioners—will be mandated to report suspected, probable, and confirmed rabies cases to the concerned health authorities without delay.
Early Reporting Is Key to Saving Lives
The Health Minister emphasised that rabies, once symptoms appear, is almost always fatal. However, timely medical treatment can completely prevent the disease. He noted that early reporting plays the most crucial role inA stopping the spread of rabies and saving lives.
“Rabies is entirely preventable. No death due to rabies is acceptable,” Dr. Singh said, adding that the notifiable status will significantly enhance surveillance, early detection, and prompt treatment.
Anti-Rabies Treatment Available Across Delhi
To ensure easy access to treatment, the Delhi government has made anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) available at 59 health institutions across all 11 districts of the city. In addition, rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is currently available at 33 designated hospitals and healthcare facilities.
These measures form a strong backbone of Delhi’s rabies prevention and public health infrastructure.
Towards Rabies Elimination in Delhi
The Delhi government is also in the final stages of preparing a State Action Plan for Rabies Elimination, in coordination with local bodies, the Animal Husbandry Department, and other stakeholders. The plan aims to achieve zero human deaths due to dog-mediated rabies.
Efforts are being intensified to strengthen rabies vaccination for both humans and animals, particularly dogs. Making rabies a notifiable disease will help authorities track disease trends more accurately and improve coordination between human and animal health systems.
The Health Minister reiterated that the notification will remain in force until further orders and marks a decisive step towards building a rabies-free and healthier Delhi.
