Rajpur, Chhattisgarh – In a heartbreaking incident, a two-month-old infant named Ruhani died after receiving a routine vaccination at a sub-health center in Onkara village, under the Rajpur police station area in Balrampur district. The child’s family has accused health workers of gross negligence, claiming that delayed medical attention contributed to the tragedy. Authorities have launched an investigation into the matter.
The incident occurred on November 7 during a government-organized vaccination drive at the Onkara Sub-Health Center. Jagdish Kaushik, the father of the deceased child, brought his seemingly healthy infant for immunization as part of the regular program. According to family members, Ruhani’s condition began to deteriorate shortly after the vaccine was administered.
When the family questioned the nurse on duty, she reportedly assured them that mild fever and discomfort for two to three days are common side effects of vaccination and that there was no cause for concern. Trusting her advice, the family returned home. However, as the evening progressed, the child’s health worsened rapidly.
In a desperate attempt to seek help, the relatives rushed back to the sub-health center, only to find it locked and unattended. With no immediate medical assistance available, Ruhani passed away around 11 p.m. that night. The family and local villagers have since filed a written complaint at the Rajpur police station, demanding strict action against the responsible staff, including the nurse and other center employees.
Villagers from Gram Panchayat Onkara have echoed these concerns, alleging that the sub-health center is frequently closed, especially after 5 p.m., and that posted staff do not reside on-site. This, they claim, leaves the community vulnerable during emergencies, exacerbating situations like this one.
Dr. Ramesh Jaiswal, the Block Medical Officer (BMO) of Rajpur, confirmed that an investigation team has been formed to probe the incident. “Upon receiving information about the event, we immediately constituted a team and arranged for the child’s post-mortem examination,” Dr. Jaiswal stated. He assured that a fair and thorough inquiry would be conducted, and if any government employee’s negligence is established, stringent legal action will follow.
This case highlights ongoing challenges in rural healthcare infrastructure, where access to timely medical services remains a critical issue. The family and community are calling for improved oversight and accountability to prevent such devastating losses in the future.
