In a significant move to combat rabies and enhance public safety, more than thirty stray dogs received anti-rabies vaccines at the Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) campus in Dibrugarh on Thursday. This coordinated effort brought together the animal husbandry and veterinary department, the Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation (DMC), and the NGO Animal Welfare People.
Expanding the Anti-Rabies Campaign Across Dibrugarh
The vaccination drive at the prominent hospital campus is not an isolated event. It forms a crucial part of an ongoing, city-wide initiative designed to curb the spread of the deadly rabies virus. Similar successful drives were recently completed at the Dibrugarh Airport campus and various other city locations, resulting in the vaccination of over 200 stray dogs so far.
Officials have confirmed that these efforts will be systematically expanded in the coming weeks. The plan is to extend the vaccination coverage to other institutional campuses, densely populated residential areas, and busy commercial zones. The ultimate goal is ambitious yet clear: to vaccinate all accessible stray dogs across Dibrugarh and achieve effective rabies control.
Why the AMCH Campus Was a Priority
The AMCH campus was strategically identified as a priority location for this public health mission. As a high-traffic zone with a constant flow of healthcare workers, patients, and visitors, the presence of unvaccinated stray animals posed a significant concern for both the hospital administration and the public.
This initiative directly addresses the longstanding worries about safety on the hospital premises, making Thursday's vaccination drive a particularly significant step forward for the community.
Leadership and Community Support
Commenting on the importance of the drive, Dibrugarh mayor Saikat Patra emphasized the critical role of regular vaccination. "Regular vaccination of street dogs is essential to safeguard public health and prevent rabies outbreaks," Patra stated. "We are committed to continuing these drives systematically to cover more areas and ensure maximum coverage of the stray dog population."
A representative from Animal Welfare People highlighted the broader vision of their work, which extends beyond just administering vaccines. "We are also actively working to create awareness among residents about responsible feeding practices and the need for humane treatment of stray animals," the representative explained.
They added that these drives serve a dual purpose: "These initiatives not only protect public health but also demonstrate that animal welfare and human safety can go hand in hand. We are grateful that the locals have been very supportive, actively helping us safely locate and handle the dogs during vaccination."
This collaborative model, uniting government bodies, non-profit organizations, and the community, sets a strong precedent for managing urban animal populations while prioritizing public health in Dibrugarh.
