A tragic incident in Tumakimadka village under Kalimela block of Malkangiri district has stirred controversy after the death of a 4-month-old infant girl, allegedly following the administration of a vaccine.
The child, daughter of Deba Madkami, was reportedly given a Pentavalent vaccine two days prior by local health workers.
According to the family, the infant developed a sudden high fever and became critically ill shortly after receiving the vaccine. They rushed her to the Kalimela Community Health Center, but she was declared dead before arrival. The grieving parents claim the vaccine worsened her condition, ultimately leading to her death. They also stated that they had warned health workers not to administer the vaccine as the child was already unwell, but were assured there would be no complications.
However, Dr. Dinabandhu Mahananda, the Kalimela Health Officer, has refuted the allegations. He clarified that the child had shown signs of illness prior to vaccination and was advised to be taken to a medical facility. He emphasized that the vaccine was administered only after the child appeared stable and that her death was likely due to other medical complications, not the vaccine itself.
The incident has raised concerns about vaccination protocols and communication between health workers and families in remote tribal regions. Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed inquiry to determine the exact cause of death.
