An incident occurred in the city of Surat, Gujarat, where five children were mistakenly given diabetes medication instead of paracetamol following vaccination. After taking the drug, the children's health deteriorated, necessitating their hospitalization in intensive care units (ICU/PICU).
This case took place at the Palsana-01 primary healthcare sub-center in the Surat district, in the Taluka of Palsana, during the 'Mamta Diwas' event on September 23rd. Vaccination was conducted for seven children that day. Five children were supposed to receive paracetamol tablets, but they were mistakenly given Glimepiride 2 mg tablets, which are used to treat diabetes.
The severe effect of the incorrectly administered medication led to the deterioration of the condition of the five children, and on September 24th, they were admitted to the ICU/PICU. Upon receiving information about the incident, health authorities initiated an investigation.
The error in dispensing the wrong medication was committed by a female healthcare worker, Induben Ratilal Choudhary. The Chief Medical Officer of the Surat district issued an order suspending her from work. During her suspension, her headquarters has been established at the Dangrapada Primary Healthcare center, Umarpada Taluka, Surat district. According to government orders, she is prohibited from engaging in private work or business without permission during the suspension period. She will be required to provide relevant certificates monthly to the Chief Medical Officer of the taluka. She is also forbidden from leaving her headquarters without permission. Further disciplinary action will be taken after the investigation is complete.
The Minister of Health of Gujarat state, Praful Panseriya, reported that among the affected children are infants aged approximately three and a half months to one year. He emphasized that the incident is being taken very seriously, and directives have been given to officials to conduct an inquiry. The Minister noted that children may develop a fever after vaccination, which is why paracetamol is given to them. He confirmed that in this case, a diabetes tablet was mistakenly administered, leading to the need for the children's hospitalization. According to the minister, all five children are currently stable after treatment, their condition is improving, and a quick discharge is expected.