Rabies notifiable disease Delhi is likely to become a reality soon, with the Delhi government planning to officially declare rabies a notifiable disease, a city minister said on Monday. The move aims to strengthen surveillance, reporting, and prevention of the fatal viral infection.
Speaking at a public health-related event, the minister said mandatory reporting of rabies cases will help authorities collect accurate data and respond more effectively. Once notified, all government and private hospitals will have to report suspected and confirmed rabies cases to health authorities.
The minister said rabies remains a serious public health concern in Delhi, largely due to dog bites and delayed medical treatment. He added that early reporting and coordinated action can help reduce fatalities, as rabies is preventable with timely vaccination and medical care.
Officials said the proposal is in the final stages and will be implemented soon after completing procedural formalities. Health department officials are also working on guidelines to ensure smooth reporting and data sharing across healthcare facilities.
The minister said the government is focusing on awareness, vaccination, and better management of animal bites. He urged people to seek immediate medical attention after animal bites and complete the full course of anti-rabies vaccination.
Public health experts welcomed the move and said declaring rabies a notifiable disease would improve monitoring and policy planning. They said accurate data would help target high-risk areas and strengthen animal control measures.
According to health officials, many rabies cases go unreported, which affects response planning. Mandatory notification is expected to bridge this gap and support long-term prevention strategies.
The minister said the Delhi government remains committed to improving public health systems. He added that declaring rabies a notifiable disease will help save lives and strengthen the city’s disease surveillance framework.
