Family blames delayed treatment as 10-month-old Piyanshu dies hours after receiving three vaccines; second child in ICU
Tragedy has struck a family in Ratlam district after a 10-month-old boy died and another child was left fighting for his life following routine vaccinations at a local Anganwadi centre. The incident has sparked outrage among villagers who are demanding a thorough investigation into alleged medical negligence.
The heartbreaking incident occurred at the Anganwadi centre in Nayakheda village, under Bilpank police station limits, on Tuesday afternoon. Four children were administered routine immunizations, but within hours, two of them fell critically ill, leading to a Ratlam vaccination death that has sent shockwaves through the community.
What Happened at the Anganwadi Centre?
According to family members, 10-month-old Piyanshu, son of Dharmendra Malviya, and one-and-a-half-year-old Nityanshu, son of Devilal Malviya, were vaccinated between 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm. Piyanshu received three vaccines—two injections in his arm and one in his thigh.
Within an hour of the procedure at the Anganwadi centre, both children began showing adverse reactions. "They started vomiting and developed diarrhoea," said a family member. By 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm, Piyanshu's condition had deteriorated significantly, prompting the family to rush him to the government health centre in Dharad.
Family Alleges Critical Delay in Treatment
The family's ordeal worsened when they claim doctors at the Dharad facility failed to provide immediate care. "At Dharad hospital, we were told to take him to Ratlam. No treatment was given there. Time was lost," said Dharmendra Malviya, the deceased child's father, his voice heavy with grief.
The family reached the Mother and Child Care (MCH) unit in Ratlam around 5:30 pm, but it was too late. "My younger son was crying and had a heartbeat when we reached Ratlam's Do Batti area," Malviya added, suggesting that timely medical intervention could have saved his child's life.
Doctors at the MCH unit declared Piyanshu dead upon examination. The body was later sent to the medical college mortuary, with a post-mortem conducted on Wednesday morning.
Second Child in ICU as Community Demands Answers
Meanwhile, one-and-a-half-year-old Nityanshu remains admitted to the Child and Newborn Intensive Care Unit at the MCH unit. His father reported that the child developed fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea after the vaccination and was later referred to Ratlam for specialized care. Hospital sources say his condition has shown improvement, though he remains under close observation.
The incident has ignited anger among Nayakheda villagers, who have demanded an impartial inquiry into what they suspect is a case of alleged medical negligence. A formal complaint has been lodged at Bilpank police station, with the family seeking a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Official Response: Doctor Says Post-Mortem Report Will Reveal Truth
Dr. Valluri Chandure, duty doctor at the MCH unit, confirmed that two children were brought from Nayakheda after vaccination. "One child was brought without a heartbeat. We performed chest compressions and attempted resuscitation, but he could not be revived. The other child is stable and under observation," he stated.
Addressing concerns about vaccine reactions, Dr. Chandure noted that mild fever can occur after immunization but emphasized that conclusions can only be drawn after receiving the post-mortem report. Health officials have indicated that further action will depend on these medical findings.
Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the matter.
The Bigger Picture: Vaccine Safety and Rural Healthcare
This tragic incident highlights ongoing concerns about vaccine safety protocols and emergency preparedness at rural healthcare facilities. Both children who fell ill belong to the same extended family, raising questions about whether a specific vaccine batch or administration error may be responsible.
As the community mourns the loss of young Piyanshu, all eyes are on the post-mortem results and the police investigation. For now, the family clings to hope for Nityanshu's recovery while seeking justice for their devastating loss.
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