Pimpri, 3rd December 2025: Reinforcing its commitment to public health and citizen safety, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has launched a comprehensive, technology-driven Rabies Control Programme aimed at making the city completely rabies-free. The initiative, developed in collaboration with Mission Rabies, will run throughout the year with specialised vaccination teams, a dedicated helpline and rapid response vehicles deployed across the city.
The programme was formally inaugurated at Ga Di Madgulkar Auditorium in Nigdi by Additional Commissioner Vijaykumar Khorate. Senior officials including Deputy Commissioner Sandip Khot, Assistant Commissioner Shyamkant Patil, Medical Officer Dr. Kishori Nalawade, MSD Animal Health Managing Director Dr. Yash Goyal, Mission Rabies Director Dr. Murgoon Appupillai, Logistics Director Pravin Owal, PCMC officers and citizens were present.
Speaking at the launch, Additional Commissioner Khorate said the new initiative marks a significant step towards building a rabies-free Pimpri Chinchwad. He emphasised that PCMC is deploying trained teams, scientific protocols and a strong monitoring system to ensure timely vaccination, swift response to incidents and continuous public awareness. He also stressed the importance of adhering to clear timelines for each activity under the programme, noting that a defined schedule will bring objectivity, discipline and measurable outcomes to the initiative.
тАЬThe support of Mission Rabies and MSD Animal Health strengthens the programmeтАЩs reach and impact, enabling us to deliver a coordinated and highly efficient model of rabies control,тАЭ he added.
Based on Mission RabiesтАЩ globally recognised model, the PCMC programme combines large-scale vaccination with data-driven planning and field operations. Specially trained teams will carry out dog vaccination across the city using the World Veterinary Service (WVS) mobile application and GIS-based mapping tools for accurate coverage tracking. Officials from the veterinary department noted that this approach will help build a sustainable and scalable system for long-term rabies elimination.
Dedicated Rabies Helpline and Response Team Activated
To enhance surveillance and timely reporting, PCMCтАЩs Veterinary Department has launched a dedicated Rabies Helpline (+91 8788070665). Citizens can report suspected rabid animals or incidents through this number. A specialised Rabies Response Team (RRT) will remain on standby to verify reports, conduct field inspections and take necessary action. Mission Rabies will support PCMCтАЩs monitoring system as a knowledge partner.
тАЬPartnering with an organisation like Mission Rabies gives strong support to vaccination, surveillance and public awarenessтАФthree critical pillars of rabies control. With the helpline, response team and technology-based vaccination drive now active, PCMC is ensuring a coordinated and effective implementation. We remain committed to creating a completely rabies-free community in the coming years.тАЭ
тАУ Sandip Khot, Deputy Commissioner, PCMC
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