The road to rabies elimination in India by 2030: a review on the functionality of anti-rabies clinics in India

Abstract

Rabies is the deadliest but preventable Neglected tropical diseases. Anti-Rabies Clinics (ARCs) are on the frontline in the management of animal bite cases and more research is needed to assess their operation. The present review is done to determine the extent of Anti- Rabies Clinic functionality in the country and to identify the prevailing gaps as to achieve the elimination of Rabies elimination by 2030. From 2010- 2025, a systematic search of scientific publications, on Medline and Google scholar was done on Anti- rabies clinic in India. Five articles were selected using the key terms “anti-rabies clinic,” “facility assessment,” “post-exposure prophylaxis,” “rabies biologicals,” and “India”. Articles were included if- in English language, full text availability and assessed one or more aspects of ARC functionality- minimum available facilities, staffing pattern, Minimum infrastructure, Logistics. Studies were excluded if they belonged to a non- Indian setting, animal and laboratory-based studies.  Studies (n=3) depicted lack of availability of ARV and RIG. Some studies (n=2) reported on untrained staff in terms of low knowledge regarding post-exposure prophylaxis delivery and animal bite management. 2 studies reported non availability of wound washing facility. 1 study reported supply gap due to procurement and logistic issues. The review highlights that while some ARCs demonstrate best practices, systemic gaps persist, particularly in RIG supply and training. Strengthening cold chain management, expanding RIG availability, improving health worker training, and standardizing documentation are critical to meeting India's target of eliminating dog-mediated rabies by 2030.