The Delhi Government is preparing to declare human rabies a notifiable disease in the national capital under the Epidemic Diseases Act. This move aims to improve surveillance and ensure timely treatment, marking a significant step towards the goal of eliminating human deaths from rabies in Delhi.

Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh stated that this is an important step toward the goal of zero human deaths from rabies in Delhi. Once the notification is issued, all government and private health facilities, including medical colleges and individual practitioners, will be required to report suspected, probable, and confirmed cases of human rabies to the relevant health authorities.

The government's action is geared towards strengthening disease surveillance, ensuring the prompt reporting of cases, and enabling swift public health interventions to prevent the spread of rabies. The Delhi Government is also working on finalizing a State Action Plan for Rabies Elimination, in collaboration with local bodies, the Animal Husbandry Department, and other stakeholders.

Declaring rabies as a notifiable disease is considered a crucial step in achieving the goal of zero human deaths due to dog-mediated rabies. The government is also focusing on strengthening rabies vaccination facilities for both humans and animals. Currently, anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) is available at 59 health facilities across all 11 districts of Delhi, while anti-rabies serum (RIG) is available at 33 designated health facilities and hospitals in the capital.

Mandatory notification is expected to help authorities track disease trends, improve coordination between human and animal health systems, and implement targeted preventive measures in high-risk areas. According to Singh, rabies is preventable, and no death from it is acceptable. He added that declaring human rabies as a notifiable disease will enhance surveillance, improve early detection, and ensure timely treatment.

The proposed notification will be effective immediately upon issuance and will remain in effect until further notice. Detailed guidelines for reporting and coordination will be shared with all relevant departments and health institutions.

While the move is largely welcomed, some animal welfare activists, experts, and dog lovers have expressed concerns. They argue that an "unscientific" approach could weaken rabies-control efforts, destabilize urban ecosystems, and disproportionately affect low-income and underserved communities. These concerns highlight the complexities of rabies control and the need for a balanced approach that considers both public health and animal welfare.