CHANDIGARH: Punjab has taken a major leap in public health by expanding free Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV) services to all 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics across the state, transforming the way dog bite cases are treated. Earlier, ARV facilities were limited to just 48 Primary Health Centres, forcing thousands of victims to travel long distances, miss work and often discontinue the life-saving five-dose vaccination course. With nearly three lakh dog bite cases reported every year, the gaps in access posed a serious risk, especially for children, the elderly and daily wage workers.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the government has now ensured doorstep access to timely rabies treatment through its extensive Aam Aadmi Clinic network. Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the expansion marks a major public health milestone, allowing patients to begin treatment immediately and complete the full vaccination course free of cost near their homes. He added that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to accessible, affordable and preventive healthcare.
The impact has been swift and measurable. Over the past four months, around 1,500 dog bite patients have been treated every month at Aam Aadmi Clinics, with most starting treatment within minutes of arrival. The move has significantly reduced delays, improved treatment completion rates and eased the financial and emotional burden on families. By integrating ARV services at the primary care level, Punjab has turned a long-standing public health challenge into a model of effective, people-centric healthcare delivery.
