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Vaccines

Economic Burden of Rabies: A Study from Maharashtra, India

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A recent study from Maharashtra, India, shed light on the economic burden of rabies, a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic, viral disease that affects the central nervous system. The study, conducted by researchers at Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, aimed to assess the willingness to pay (WTP) for postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for anti-rabies vaccination (ARV). The study found that lower socioeconomic strata are associated with lower WTP, while higher SES and transdermal bites were significantly associated with a higher WTP.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study enrolled 426 patients, with 60% belonging to Category III and 40% belonging to Category II.
  • Most patients (72%) chose less than the bidding amount for ARV, while 63% and 65% chose less than the bidding amount for traveling and supporting medications, respectively.
  • Regression analysis showed that higher SES and transdermal bites were significantly associated with a higher WTP.
  • The study found that lower socioeconomic strata are associated with lower WTP.
  • Raising awareness about completing vaccinations is crucial, as rabies is 100% fatal once the central nervous system is affected and clinical symptoms appear.
  • The study concluded that addressing the economic burden of rabies is challenging, but essential for reducing mortality.
  • The research was conducted by Nithya Jaideep Gogtay, Roopa Parida, Vijaya Laxman Chaudhari, Ananya Rakshit, Balaji Mane, Prachi V. Bhoir, and Vipin Subhash Mokalkar.

Statistics:

  • 426 patients were enrolled in the study.
  • 255/426 (60%) patients belonged to Category III.
  • 171/426 (40%) patients belonged to Category II.
  • The study found that 72% of patients chose less than the bidding amount for ARV.
  • The study found that 63% of patients chose less than the bidding amount for traveling medications.
  • The study found that 65% of patients chose less than the bidding amount for supporting medications.
  • The study found that a higher SES was significantly associated with a higher WTP.
  • The study found that transdermal bites were significantly associated with a higher WTP.
  • The study concluded that rabies is 100% fatal once the central nervous system is affected and clinical symptoms appear.

Sources:

  • A pharmacoeconomic study using the willingness to pay model for postexposure prophylaxis for animal bites at a public sector tertiary referral center. Perspectives in Clinical Research, 2025;16(3):156-161.
  • Recent Studies from Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital Add New Data to Rabies (A pharmacoeconomic study using the willingness to pay model for postexposure prophylaxis for animal bites at a public sector tertiary referral center). Life Science Weekly. August 12, 2025; p 3917.

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