Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 27: The Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu celebrated Anti-Rabies Day today to raise awareness about Rabies and its prevention.
The event was inaugurated by Principal and Dean, Dr Ashutosh Gupta. Speaking on the occasion, he emphasized the need to promote awareness about this deadly disease.
Rabies is a viral infection that poses a significant threat to public health, causing tens of thousands of deaths worldwide each year. In Anti-rabies section of GMC Jammu under Community Medicine Department, approximately 10,000 cases of animal bite are registered annually for post exposure prophylaxis and on average 2-3 cases of rabies are reported.
The theme of World Rabies Day 2023 is “All for 1 and One health for all”. Dr Rajiv K Gupta (Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine) stressed that Rabies is 100% fatal yet 100% preventable and vaccination is the only cure they have.
Dr A. S. Bhatia (Principal and Dean GMC Rajouri), Dr Sanjeev Gupta (Professor and HoD Orthopeadics), Dr Vanita Sharma (Professor and HoD Physiology), Dr Vishal Tandon (Professor Pharmacology), Dr Dara Singh (Medical Superintendent, SMGS Hospital), Dr Rakesh Sharma (Deputy Medical Superintendent, SMGS Hospital) and Faculty of Department of Community Medicine were also present.
PG Scholars including Dr Hemaal, Dr Sumaira, Dr Raheel and Dr Imran shed light on the signs and symptoms of rabies, its transmission and prevention. This event served as a call to action for the community to unite in the fight against rabies by spreading awareness, encouraging responsible pet ownership, and ensuring timely vaccinations.