Five children were hospitalised in Surat district following an incident where a diabetes medication was administered instead of paracetamol during a routine vaccination. This occurred on September 23, during the ‘Mamta Diwas’ immunisation programme at the Palsana-01 sub-centre, part of the Kanav Primary Health Centre in Palsana taluka.

During the vaccination drive, a total of seven children were immunised. Health officials reported that five of these children were mistakenly given Glimepiride 2 mg, a medication intended for diabetes management. This error was made in lieu of the standard Paracetamol Kid tablets, which are usually provided to mitigate any post-vaccination fever or discomfort.

The incorrect administration of the medication resulted in severe adverse reactions among the children, which led to their conditions deteriorating rapidly. As a consequence, all five children were admitted to Intensive Care Unit facilities on September 24 when their health was deemed critical.

Health Worker Suspended and Inquiry Launched

Following the incident, Surat district health authorities imposed disciplinary actions against Induben Ratilal Chaudhary, a Class-3 Female Health Worker, who allegedly distributed the incorrect medication. The Chief District Health Officer of Surat quickly issued suspension orders against her.

During her suspension, her official duties have been reassigned to the Dangarapada Primary Health Centre located in Umarpada taluka. The suspension order includes a stipulation that prohibits her from engaging in any private employment or business during this period and requires her to provide a monthly report to the Taluka Health Officer to qualify for the suspension allowance.

The Gujarat Health Minister, Prafull Pansheriya, described this incident as a serious case of negligence on the part of the vaccination team. He noted that some of the affected children were very young, with ages of approximately 3.5 months and one year. He reassured the public that the children received immediate medical care and are currently in stable condition.

Implications for Health Authorities

Health authorities have confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway concerning the events that led to this serious lapse. The Gujarat minister noted that children are traditionally provided with paracetamol post-vaccination to manage any fever, making this incident particularly alarming.

Minister Pansheriya has directed officials to conduct a detailed inquiry into the matter. He also stated that further actions will be taken based on the findings of this investigation. Health authorities have assured that plans are in place to adhere to government regulations as they proceed with the necessary departmental proceedings.

This unfortunate event raises significant concerns about oversight in vaccination protocols and medication administration practices. The local health department is working diligently to ensure such errors do not recur in the future, reinforcing the importance of strict adherence to medical guidelines.

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