In a major healthcare development, Noida’s Sector 39 district hospital has started providing anti-rabies serum (ARS), eliminating the need for patients from Gautam Budh Nagar and surrounding areas to travel to Delhi for treatment. This move comes as a relief for those who suffer from serious rabies infections and require immediate medical attention.
Easy Access to Life-Saving Treatment
Earlier, patients in Noida had to visit Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia hospital due to the non-availability of the serum. However, the Gautam Budh Nagar health department has now confirmed that 100 vials of ARS have been delivered to the district hospital, ensuring that patients receive timely and critical care without undergoing long journeys.
Why is the Serum Important?
According to Dr. Renu Agarwal, the hospital’s chief medical superintendent, ARS is vital for preventing rabies infection in individuals bitten by rabid animals. Rabies is a fatal disease if left untreated, causing symptoms like hydrophobia, severe headaches, fever, and muscle pain. Immediate administration of ARS can neutralize the virus and prevent further complications.
Difference Between ARS and ARV
Rabies treatment involves two types of medical interventions:
- Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV) – Administered in multiple doses to stimulate an immune response, this vaccine provides long-term protection but takes time to build immunity.
- Anti-Rabies Serum (ARS) – Also known as rabies immunoglobulin (RIG), this serum offers immediate protection by neutralizing the virus at the wound site. It is specifically given to patients with severe, deep wounds (category-III bites) before starting the vaccine course.
A Lifesaver for Critical Cases
One of the first recipients of the serum at the hospital, a woman who was attacked by a pack of stray dogs, shared her experience. She initially planned to travel to Delhi for treatment but was relieved to find that Noida hospital now had the serum available. This accessibility ensured she received immediate care without the stress of additional travel.
Round-the-Clock Availability
The district hospital has ensured that ARS will be available during regular outpatient department (OPD) hours, from morning to evening. In emergency cases, the serum can be administered 24/7, making it a crucial addition to the city’s healthcare services.
This initiative is a significant step towards improving public healthcare facilities in Noida, ensuring that life-saving treatment for rabies is within reach for those in urgent need.
