In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure accessible health services, Malacañang said on Tuesday that several national and local government hospitals as well as health centers are now providing free anti-rabies and animal bite vaccinations.

“Sakaling nakagat o nakalmot kayo ng inyong mga alagang aso at pusa, nangangamba sa rabies, libre po ang pagbabakuna sa mga government hospitals,” said Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro in a press briefing.

Castro added the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) also provides partial subsidies for anti-rabies vaccination in private hospitals and private clinics.

“Sa mga dudulog naman po sa mga private hospitals, may animal bite package naman ang PhilHealth,” she said.

During the press briefing, Castro advised parents of children aged five years old and below to avail of free routine immunization in public health centers and hospitals.

“At paalala rin po, libre po ang bakuna para sa ating mga anak mula zero to five years old,” said Castro.

Rabies continues to pose a serious global health threat, with an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 deaths reported each year. According to PhilHealth, the Philippines ranks sixth among countries with the highest incidence of rabies.

PhilHealth has increased its Animal Bite Treatment (ABT) package to PhP5,850 from the previous PhP3,000 to cover essential post-exposure prophylaxis.

The package includes rabies vaccine, rabies immune globulin for immediate protection, local wound care, tetanus toxoid and anti-tetanus serum, antibiotics, and necessary medical supplies such as syringes, alcohol, and antiseptics. | PND