HC orders probe into infant given rabies vaccine instead of measles shot in Tangail
The court directed that the investigation report be submitted within 30 days and also instructed the government to ensure the infant receives proper medical treatment without delay.
The High Court has ordered an investigation into an incident at Bhuapur Upazila Health Complex in Tangail, where a one-month-old infant was reportedly administered a rabies vaccine instead of a measles shot.
The order was passed today (14 May) by a bench comprising Justice Ahmed Sohail and Justice Fatema Anwar after hearing a public interest litigation filed by the Law and Life Foundation Trust.
The court directed that the investigation report be submitted within 30 days and also instructed the government to ensure the infant receives proper medical treatment without delay.
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In addition, the court issued a rule asking why the child's family should not be awarded Tk50 lakh in compensation. The health secretary and other concerned authorities have been asked to respond to the rule within four weeks.
According to media reports, amid a rise in measles infections across the country, Mou Khatun of Chabbisha village took her one-month-and-five-day-old child, Fatiha, to the health complex yesterday (13 May) for a measles vaccination.
At the vaccination centre, retired health inspector Mohammad Kaiyum allegedly administered two doses of rabies vaccine instead of the measles shot.
Shortly afterwards, the infant's condition deteriorated, prompting protests from family members.
Responding to the allegation, Kaiyum admitted the error, calling it accidental and unintentional.
It has also been alleged that although assistant health inspector Nurul Islam Nuru was supposed to be on duty following Kaiyum's retirement, he was absent. As a result, authorities reportedly allowed Kaiyum to conduct vaccination activities.
The family further alleged that Kaiyum and Nurul Islam behaved poorly when confronted, and said the child has been growing increasingly weak.
They blamed health officials for negligence and demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible.
Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Lutfor Rahman Azad said the incident was unfortunate, adding that although Kaiyum had retired, he was brought back to assist with vaccination activities due to staffing constraints.
