GAIBANDHA, May 14: Amid severe shortage of rabies vaccines across the country against intense demand, at least five people have died since last Wednesday after being beaten by 'rabid' dogs in Gaibandha.
The deceased have been identified as Sultana Begum (39), Afroza Begum (50), Nanda Rani (55), Fulu Mia and Ratenshwar Kumar, according to the Konchibari Union Parishad chairman, a member and the relatives of a victim. Except Rateneshwar, all hail from Konchibari Union of Sundarganj Upazila.
Sultana and Afroza died while undergoing treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital (RPMCH), Konchibari Union Parishad Chairman Monowar Alam Sarkar confirmed. Nanda and Fulu of Bajra Konchibari village died on May 6 followed by the death of Ratneshwar two days after at RPMCH.
Ratneshwar was rushed to Sundarganj Upazila Health Complex after he was beaten, but since the hospital lacked rabies vaccines, he was transferred to the Gaibandha 250 bed District Hospital, according to Ratneshwar's relatives. However, vaccine was also not available at the hospital and also at RPMCH, where he was shifted afterwards. After a day-long search at local pharmacies and clinics, a vaccine was found at a high cost, which ultimately came of no use as Ratneshwar succumbed to his infection after battling with the rabies virus for 14 days.
A local, Khalek, said patients are being forced to return home without being vaccinated after visiting hospitals, which has caused widespread panic.
Konchibari Union Parishad member Tajrul Islam said due to the lack of vaccines, treatment could not be started on time. "If there were sufficient vaccines in government hospitals, these deaths could have been avoided. If there is no prompt treatment and adequate vaccine provision, more lives could be lost. Important time is being lost as the infected people have been running from one hospital to another." He added that even though vaccines are procured from outside at high prices it is too late for patients, allowing the virus to spread in the body.
Konchibari Union Parishad Chairman Monowar Alam Sarkar said one death after another due to rabies has created panic among the locals.
On April 22, a 'rabid' dog attacked people in Bajra Konchibari of Konchibari Union in Sundarganj and the Mandalarhat area of the adjacent Chaporhati Union. At least 13 people, including two children and a woman, were seriously injured in the attack by the dog, the chairman and locals said.
In addition, nine more people, including women and children, are undergoing treatment at different hospitals as their family members remain in deep anxiety.
Sundarganj Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dibakar Basak said, "None of our infected people have sought treatment here. There was no vaccine supply in this health complex. This month, we have received funds to purchase 30 rabies vaccines. These vaccines are supplied to district hospitals." He added that it is possible to prevent rabies if the patients are vaccinated on time.
Gaibandha Civil Surgeon Dr. Rafiquzzaman could not be reached over the phone.
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