3 gov't hospitals in NCR offer free anti-rabies vaccines

Despite the scorching heat, long lines of people can be seen at the San Lazaro Hospital in Manila for its free anti-rabies vaccines.

According to a "24 Oras" report by Raffy Tima on Thursday, the public may go to two other hospitals in Metro Manila —RITM in Muntinlupa and Amang Rodriguez Hospital in Marikina — for the shots at no cost to them.

Following the death of a 13-year-old two months after being bitten by a dog, patients have been visiting the San Lazaro Hospital in Manila to avail of their services.

“Minsan umaabot kami ng mga 1,800 to 2,000 [patients] and the distribution of these cases [are] 51% galing sa Metro Manila, 18% Caloocan, 15% Quezon City,” Dr. David Suplico, officer-in-charge of the San Lazaro Medical Services, said.

(Sometimes we reach 1,800 to 2,000 [patients] and the distribution of these cases [are] 51% come from Metro Manila, 18% Caloocan, 15% Quezon City)

Suplico said the number of animal bite cases usually increases during summer resulting in an influx of patients needing vaccine. He added that the hospital sometimes runs out of vaccines due to the high demand, but the stocks are immediately replenished.

Meanwhile, the Animal Bite Center at San Lazaro Hospital will transfer to a larger building in May to accommodate more patients and hospital staff.

The hospital also reminded the public to become responsible pet owners.—Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News