Thirty students were vaccinated using a single syringe in Madhya Pradesh. The shocking incident took place at Jain Public Higher Secondary School in Sagar district.
The school had arranged a vaccination camp for students. They had also appointed a Nursing student for administering the vaccine. The malpractice came to light when a student's parent noticed that the same syringe was been used repeatedly.
The health worker, Jitendra Ahirwar, claimed only one syringe was sent by the authorities. He further added that the 'Head of department' had ordered him to vaccinate all the children with one syringe.
"The person who delivered the materials only gave a single syringe," Jitendra is heard saying in a video recorded on the spot by the parents.
Jitendra was well aware of the consequences of using a single syringe. However, he blamed the higher authorities and decided to go ahead using the same syringe.
"I know that. This is why I asked them if I have to use just one syringe and they said 'yes'. How is this my fault? I did what I was asked to do."
The incident is a blatant violation of the "one needle, one syringe, one-time" pledge. Sagar district administration lodged an FIR against Jitendra for medical negligence. He has been arrested and the district vaccination officer has been suspended.
An inquiry has also been set up against the District Immunization Officer, Dr. Rakesh Roshan. He was in charge of sending the syringe and other requirements for the vaccination camp. CMHO DK Goswami said an investigation into the incident is underway. “Stringent action will be taken against those found guilty,” he said.
Strictly using one syringe has always been instructed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and International agencies like WHO and UNICEF.