The economic burden of rabies in india: a comprehensive analysis

Rabies remains a significant yet neglected public health threat in India, contributing to nearly 36% of global human rabies deaths. With an estimated 18,000–20,000 annual fatalities, the disease imposes a substantial economic burden through direct medical expenses, indirect productivity losses, and wider societal costs. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), while lifesaving, is financially burden for many families, with treatment costs ranging from ₹2,000 to over ₹20,000 depending on vaccine adherence and use of rabies immunoglobulin. Non-adherence to vaccination schedules, largely due to high treatment costs,  preventable mortality and disease transmission. Beyond human health, rabies affects livestock productivity, causing significant financial losses to farmers and cascading effects on local economies. The disease also undermines tourism and workforce productivity, amplifying its hidden economic toll. Despite national programs such as the National Rabies Control Program, systemic barriers including underreporting, inadequate vaccine supply, and fragmented inter-sectoral coordination hinder effective management. Success stories like Goa’s integrated dog vaccination and public awareness initiatives demonstrate the potential of cost-effective, prevention-driven strategies. Achieving India’s goal of rabies elimination by 2030 requires a paradigm shift from treatment-centric approaches toward a sustainable “One Health” model emphasizing mass dog vaccination, robust surveillance, and community education. A prevention-focused strategy not only reduces disease transmission but also represents a sound economic investment, alleviating the long-term financial burden on individuals, agriculture, and the national economy.