A shocking allegation surfaced in Keonjhar district after the death of an 11-year-old girl.
The mother, an ASHA worker named Sridevi Naik from Talabarada village under Banshapal block, claimed her daughter died after consuming expired medicine supplied by the local ANM centre.
According to her statement, the girl developed a fever last Thursday. Sridevi collected medicine from ANM Gouri Mohanty and administered two doses. The child’s condition worsened, forcing the family to admit her to Keonjhar hospital. Despite treatment, she died on Monday morning.
Sridevi alleged that the medicine was expired and directly caused her daughter’s death. The claim triggered outrage in the community and raised questions about medical negligence in rural health centres.
ANM Gouri Mohanty denied the allegation. She stated that she replaced the expired medicine with valid stock and insisted that the child’s condition deteriorated because two doses were given together. She maintained that proper medicine was supplied and rejected responsibility for the death.
The incident has sparked debate over accountability in rural healthcare delivery. Authorities are expected to investigate the matter to determine whether expired medicine was indeed administered or if improper dosage led to the tragedy.
