KATHMANDU, JUNE 24 The Ministry of Health and Food Safety has clarified that there is no shortage of rabies vaccines in the country, despite concerns over limited stock. Ministry spokesperson Dr. Sameer Kumar Adhikari said vaccines required for emergency treatment are available at hospitals across the country. 'The government does not have a large stock at present, but sufficient vaccines are available for patients requiring immediate treatment,' he said, adding that a new supply is expected soon through a procurement process. According to the ministry, a tender has already been issued to procure 5,000 vials of rabies vaccine. The procurement process was relaunched after three previous tenders issued in January, March and May failed to attract suppliers. Dr. Adhikari said the World Health Organization (WHO) is expected to provide 4,500 vials of rabies vaccine within the next few days. The WHO had earlier supplied 5,000 vials for emergency use. Rabies vaccination is administered following bites from animals such as dogs, cats and monkeys. Meanwhile, Director of the Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, Dr. Anup Bastola, said the hospital continues to vaccinate all patients seeking rabies treatment and currently faces no shortage of vaccines. The hospital vaccinates around 180 people against rabies daily. According to hospital records, 55,759 people have received rabies vaccines in the current fiscal year. The figure stood at 63,815 in fiscal year 2023/24 and 47,586 in fiscal year 2024/25.