KARACHI: On World Rabies Day, MQM-Pakistan Deputy Parliamentary Leader in the Sindh Assembly Taha Ahmed Khan has expressed serious concern over dog-bite incidents and rabies-related deaths in the province, accusing the Sindh government of failing to adequately protect citizens from the deadly but preventable disease.
In a message issued on the occasion, Khan alleged that the shortage or non-availability of anti-rabies vaccine at government hospitals reflected serious negligence and called for immediate provision of quality vaccines at all public hospitals and basic health facilities across the province.
He said Karachi and other cities of Sindh continued to face the problem of stray dogs, putting citizens at risk of dog bites and possible exposure to rabies.
Khan also criticised government initiatives aimed at controlling the stray-dog population, alleging that such programmes had failed to produce the required results and raising concerns over the use of public funds.
He maintained that protecting citizens from life-threatening diseases was a constitutional responsibility of the provincial government and said timely access to post-exposure vaccination following an animal bite must be ensured.
The MQM-P leader demanded free and timely availability of anti-rabies vaccine at government hospitals throughout Sindh and called for effective measures to control the stray-dog population.
He further urged citizens not to rely on traditional remedies in the event of a dog or cat bite and advised them to immediately seek medical attention.
Khan also stressed the importance of regular vaccination of pet animals, saying responsible pet vaccination could help protect families and communities from rabies.
