In a case of massive blunder, 12 children between the age of 1-5 years were given hand sanitiser instead of the oral polio vaccine drops at a Primary Health Centre in Yavatmal district of Maharashtra, on Monday. All the children were immediately rushed to the Vasantrao Naik Government Medical College & Hospital for treatment.
The incident took place on Sunday at Bhanbora PHC (Primary Health Centre) in Kapsikopri village, when over 2,000 small children aged 1-5 years had gathered along with their parents for the polio vaccination programme under the national immunization drive.
As per officials, some kids were administered oral drops of sanitisers instead of polio drops. Soon after many complained of cramps and started vomiting, sparking panic among the parents and health officials there.
VNGMCH Dean Dr Milind Kamble said, "All the children are now stable and improving. They are being kept under constant observation. Depending on their condition, we shall consider discharging them on Tuesday evening.”
Oral intake of hand-sanitiser may not be fatal but it contains 70% alcohol which may cause health complications especially in children, said the Dean.
Yavatmal Collector M Devender Singh visited the hospital on Sunday night and had ordered the Zila Parishad CEO Shrikrishna Panchal to investigate the matter.
Three officials including a health worker, doctor, and ASHA worker will be suspended in connection with the incident.
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"An inquiry is underway and orders will be issued to suspend all the three healthcare workers," Panchal said.
The incident comes after President Ram Nath Kovind on January 30 launched the National Polio Immunisation Drive for 2021 by administering polio drops to children less than five years old at Rashtrapati Bhawan.