New Delhi/Lucknow: A union Health
Ministry panel has initiated probe into the death of four
infants near Lucknow after they were administered anti-measles
vaccine.
Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad told reporters in
Delhi that the three-member team, which visited Mohalganj,
would submit their report soon and action will be taken
against those found guilty.
"A team comprising Commissioner, Deputy
Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner (from immunisation
department) along with other doctors have been sent to
Mohalganj," Azad told reporters.
The team will submit the report soon after which
further action will be taken in the matter, he said.
Minutes after they were given the anti-measles drops
during the health department's immunisation camp yesterday at
an "aaganwari Centre" in Mohanlalganj near Lucknow, the four
infants, all below nine months, showed symptoms of a serious
allergic reaction and died before they could be taken to
hospital for treatment.
An FIR has been lodged at Mohanlalganj police station
against unnamed persons in connection with the incident while
the government has already announced compensation for the
families of the victims.
"The FIR has been registered by Additional Director,
Health and Family Welfare, S A Rizvi at Mohanlalgaj police
station against unnamed persons," said a senior state health
official.
Five health department employees including a doctor,
an employee responsible for maintaining cold chain and three
auxiliary midwife and nurse have been placed under suspension
after being found prima facie guilty while a magisterial
inquiry into the incident is also going on.
PTI
First Published: Sunday, August 22, 2010, 23:21