Daijiworld Media Network - Noida

Noida, Mar 11: Patients in Gautam Budh Nagar and western Uttar Pradesh will no longer have to travel to Delhi for anti-rabies serum (ARS) treatment, as the district hospital in Sector 39, Noida, has now made it available.

Officials confirmed that 100 vials of the life-saving serum have been received, bringing much-needed relief to patients who previously had to visit Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for treatment.

According to Dr Renu Agarwal, chief medical superintendent of the district hospital, the serum is costly in the open market, making its availability at a government facility a significant support for patients. "Rabies is fatal if not treated promptly. The serum provides immediate protection by neutralizing the virus at the wound," she said.

Unlike the anti-rabies vaccine (ARV), which takes time to build immunity, ARS also known as rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is administered in severe cases (deep or multiple bites) before starting the vaccine course.

A recent patient, who was attacked by stray dogs while returning home from work, shared her relief at receiving timely treatment in Noida instead of traveling to Delhi.

Health officials assured that ARS will be available in the outpatient department during the day and round-the-clock for emergency cases, ensuring immediate care for those in need.