Delhi MCD to Procure 1.2 Lakh Anti-Rabies Vaccines Amid Rising Dog-Bite Cases

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has initiated a major push to strengthen anti-rabies treatment services in the national capital by planning the procurement of 1.2 lakh anti-rabies vaccine vials over the next two years. The move comes amid rising concerns over dog-bite incidents across Delhi and is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted treatment for animal-bite victims relying on public healthcare facilities.

According to officials, the civic body has floated a tender through its hospital administration department for the purchase of 1 ml anti-rabies vaccine vials under a two-year rate contract. The procurement is estimated to cost around Rs 2.52 crore , as per the tender document released on Monday.

The vaccines will be supplied across the MCD’s extensive healthcare network, which includes more than 280 hospitals, dispensaries, maternity centres and mobile health units , along with over 25 dedicated anti-rabies vaccination (ARV) centres operating under the corporation.

The initiative comes at a time when Delhi continues to witness a significant number of dog-bite cases. Officials estimate that the city recorded between 60,000 and 70,000 dog bites in 2025 , underlining the growing demand for anti-rabies treatment. While the large-scale procurement is being seen as a proactive public health measure, the figures also raise a critical question: how much longer will Delhi need to depend so heavily on post-bite treatment instead of controlling the root cause through effective stray dog management?

In an attempt to tackle the issue at the source, the MCD has allocated nearly Rs 35 crore in its 2026-27 budget for the microchipping and vaccination of stray dogs . The corporation is also working on a new shelter facility in Dwarka , which will initially accommodate around 1,500 aggressive dogs .

Officials said the strengthened vaccine supply system is expected to benefit thousands of residents, especially those from low-income neighbourhoods where MCD-run facilities often serve as the first point of medical care after dog-bite incidents.

The tender has been issued under a two-bid online system , with eligible manufacturers and firms invited to participate in the procurement process.