GMC Srinagar observes World Rabies Day
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 28: The Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar marked World Rabies Day today with a series of awareness and training events aimed at combating the deadly disease, which claims over 55,000 lives annually worldwide, with India bearing a significant portion of the burden.
On the occasion, officials revealed that from April 1, 2024, to September 27, 2024, the Anti-Rabies Clinic at SMHS Hospital recorded 5,964 cases, including 3,015 dog bites and 2,679 cat exposures.
“We receive nearly 1,000 animal bite or scratch exposures every month at the Anti-Rabies Clinic, with almost all dog bites coming from strays,” officials said.
In the previous year, from April 2023 to March 2024, the clinic reported around 8,000 cases.
The rising number of cat-related incidents is attributed to the growing trend of pet ownership, while dog bites are predominantly caused by strays.
Notably, this year’s World Rabies Day theme, “Breaking Rabies Boundaries,” underscores the need for innovative approaches to eliminate human Rabies, primarily transmitted by dogs.
The Department of Community Medicine at GMC Srinagar organized various activities, including training sessions for medical staff and paramedical students, as well as a poster competition.
The main event was held at UPHC Nishat, the urban health training center of the Community Medicine Department.
It was inaugurated by Prof. Iffat Hassan, Principal and Dean of GMC Srinagar, in the presence of Dr. S. Muhammad Salim Khan, Professor and HoD, and several other faculty members, including Dr. Inaam ul Haq, Dr. Mariya Amin, and Dr. Fara Shafi, BMO Hazratbal.
The event also featured a comprehensive training session on the management of animal bites and Rabies prevention, with technical presentations delivered by Dr. Kouser Sideeq and Dr. Sameena Yousuf Dar, Assistant Professors from the Department of Community Medicine.
The session included a practical demonstration by Insha Rehman, Pharmacist at the Anti-Rabies Clinic, UPHC SMHS Srinagar.
Certificates of appreciation and participation were distributed by the Principal of GMC Srinagar. Simultaneously, a poster competition was held at the Anti-Rabies Clinic, SMHS Hospital, encouraging creative engagement.
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