Assessment of cost factors related to post-exposure treatment of animal bite cases: a cross-sectional study conducted in the anti-rabies clinic of a tertiary care hospital in Ganjam, Odisha

Background Rabies is a universally fatal but vaccine-preventable viral zoonotic disease causing an estimated 59,000 human deaths annually, with India accounting for nearly 35% of the global burden. Though at-rabies vaccines are free of cost in Government health facilities in Odisha economic and logistical challenges of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) continue to strain healthcare systems. Objectives To understand the socio-demographic status of cases attending the anti-rabies clinic of MKCG medical college & hospital, Ganjam and to determine the cost factors related to post-exposure treatment in patients attending the anti-rabies clinic of MKCG MCH. Methodology A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out at the anti-rabies clinic of MKCG Medical College & Hospital, Ganjam, between August 2024 and January 2025. A total of 1080 animal bite cases were selected using systematic random sampling with sampling interval 5. Data were collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using MS Excel and SPSS version 17. Results Most bite cases were males (66.11%) of age 21–40 years (42.41%) and belonged to rural areas (61.85%). Most bites were stray dog bites (71%). Category III bites accounted for 81.3% of total cases. Indirect costs were substantial, primarily due to wage loss and travel expenses. The cost of PEP was significantly higher at ₹35.96 lakhs, as compared to the estimated PrEP cost of ₹2.36 lakhs. Conclusion The study highlights the need for primary level vaccine availability, promoting PrEP among high-risk groups, including PrEP in immunization schedule for children < 5 years, enhancing health education and public awareness and enhancing intersectoral coordination for sustainable rabies control.