Amid a shocking case of brutal negligence, children in a village of Maharashtra were given sanitizer instead of polio drops as part of the polio vaccination drive in the locality.
The incident took place in Yavatmal, a district around 700 km away from Mumbai, Maharashtra’s capital, according to an official.
The 12 children were shifted to the government hospital after the event came to light. A district official said their condition now is stable while adding that the 3 healthcare workers who were involved in the negligence will have to suffer consequences.
The occurrence was highlighted after the National Pulse Polio vaccination drive ended in Kapsikopri village and the mishap was reported at the Bhanbora primary healthcare center, according to an official.
12 children, who were all below the age of 5 years, were given 2 drops of sanitizer instead of the actual polio drops, Yavatmal Zilla Parishad CEO Shrikrishna Panchal said.
Soon after administered the drops, one of the children complained of uneasiness and nausea, he added.
All affected kids were rushed to the Government Medical College located in the district. As of now, their health condition is being monitored though it is said to be stable.
According to the initial details revealed, a doctor, an Anganwadi sevika, and an ASHA volunteer- 3 healthcare workers were at the same PHC when the event took place.
“An inquiry is underway and orders will be issued to suspend all the three healthcare workers,” Mr. Panchal said.
The village sarpanch was the first who checked the drops and realized that it is hand sanitizer instead of polio doses, an official said.
The incident triggered a massive amount of criticism from parents across the village who are demanding strict action against those guilty of the incident. Many are also living in the fear of their kid having consumed sanitizer in the place of polio drops.
The official added saying that the Collector of Yavatmal, MD Singh had visited the hospital to check on the children and know their health condition post starting the treatment.
This unfortunate incident happened on January 31st, 2020, the day observed as the Polio National Immunization Day.
