Indore Vaccination Drive Turns Tragic: One Infant Dead, Another Critical
A routine immunization session at an Anganwadi centre in Nayakheda village, Indore, has escalated into a devastating incident, leaving one toddler dead and another fighting for his life. The event has sparked widespread concern and prompted immediate investigations by health authorities.
Details of the Incident
On Tuesday afternoon, four children received vaccinations at the Nayakheda Anganwadi centre under the Bilpank police station jurisdiction. Among them were two toddlers: 10-month-old Piyanshu and 1.5-year-old Nityanshu. Piyanshu was administered three shots—two on his arms and one on his thigh—between 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM.
By 2:30 PM, his condition rapidly deteriorated, with symptoms including severe vomiting and diarrhoea. His father, Dharmendra Malviya, rushed him to the Dharad Health Centre, where he alleges staff failed to provide treatment and instead referred them to Ratlam, causing critical delays. Upon arrival at the Mother and Child Care Unit in Ratlam at 5:30 PM, doctors declared Piyanshu dead on arrival.
Ongoing Medical Crisis
Nityanshu, the other affected child, developed a fever and vomiting after receiving his scheduled booster dose. He remains in stable condition but is under intensive care in the Paediatric Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at MCH Ratlam, according to physician Dr. Valluri Chandure. The twin incidents have left the village in a state of shock and mourning.
Community Outcry and Official Response
Villagers have raised allegations of a potential cover-up by the health department, leading Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Sandhya Belsere to activate the District Adverse Events Following Immunization Committee. In response, the MR vaccine vial used during the drive—which was reportedly safe for 18 other children from the Dharad focal point—has been sealed for rigorous testing. Additionally, Piyanshu's viscera has been preserved for detailed analysis to determine the exact cause of death.
The Bilpank police have filed a case, and Dharmendra Malviya is demanding a high-level probe, stating, "He had a pulse entering the city," highlighting the urgency of the situation. The entire village now anxiously awaits the results of the autopsy and vial tests, with tensions running high over whether the tragedy resulted from a vaccine reaction or possible negligence.
Broader Implications
This incident underscores critical issues in rural healthcare delivery and vaccine safety protocols. It raises questions about the preparedness of local health centres to handle emergencies and the transparency of post-vaccination monitoring systems. As investigations proceed, authorities are urged to ensure accountability and implement measures to prevent such occurrences in the future, restoring public trust in immunization programs.
