The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has asked the State government to conduct a thorough enquiry and submit report within 30 days on the recent deaths of three children, two in Gopanpally village, Ranga Reddy district, and one in Chaderghat, due to diphtheria.
Following exhaustive reports in these columns about the deaths and ailments in the twin cities, NCPCR member Vandana Prasad directed the State Health Secretary to investigate the matter and take necessary action.
Case studies
“A report along with relevant documents should be sent to NCPCR within 30 days. The report should include status of DPT immunisation in Ranga Reddy district, detailed case studies of the three children who died including details of medical care provided and detailed case studies of the other five children who had symptoms of diphtheria,” Dr. Vandana Prasad directed.
According to NCPCR, one of the functions assigned to the Commission under Section 13 (1) (j) of Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act is to inquire into complaints and suo motu take cognizance in relation to deprivation and violation of child tights, Dr. Vandana Prasad said in her letter.
Immunisation drive
Meanwhile, in a separate press release, the Commissioner, Health and Family Welfare (CHFW), has announced that it was decided to immediately procure diphtheria vaccine and launch a fresh immunisation drive. About 100 vials of DT vaccine for diphtheria will be procured immediately and supplied to the Niloufer Hospital.
Review meeting
The Health and Family Welfare officials, who held a review meeting on diphtheria preventive measures on Tuesday, have also decided to procure 30,000 vials of penicillin, involving an expenditure of Rs. 2.1 lakh for Niloufer Hospital, which will be sufficient for three months to meet the needs during this season.
Special drive
The procurement will be carried out without the involvement of Andhra Pradesh Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation (APMSIDC). The health officials will also plan a special immunisation drive in a phased manner to cover the missing children for the antigens during October, November and December this year. The drive will cover children less than five years of age in all the districts by properly maintaining cold chain, medicines and vaccines. The immunisation cards will be properly updated.
