The administration in Madhya Pradesh’s Maihar district has initiated strict action after a measles outbreak affected several villages, with health authorities confirming infection in 21 children. The development has raised concerns over vaccination coverage and surveillance activities in the affected areas.

District Collector Vidisha Mukherjee reviewed the situation on Monday and expressed dissatisfaction over alleged negligence in immunisation and field monitoring efforts. The action follows a report submitted by the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO), highlighting gaps in vaccination and disease-control measures.

According to health department records, measles cases have been reported from Deori, Raigaon, Semra and Ajwain areas of Maihar block. Out of 43 suspected cases investigated so far, 21 children have been confirmed to be infected with measles. Most of the affected children belong to the zero-to-five-year age group.

The outbreak has already claimed the life of a three-year-old child, intensifying concerns among health officials and local residents. Authorities are now working to prevent further spread of the disease through surveillance and vaccination drives.

During a review meeting, the Collector found that certain sub-health centres had failed to conduct vaccination activities adequately. It was also observed that entries related to immunisation were not uploaded on the U-WIN portal, which is used for monitoring vaccination records.

Taking serious note of the matter, the district administration directed officials to fix accountability and ensure immediate corrective measures. The Collector warned that if improvements are not seen promptly, officials at both block and district levels could also face action.

The administration has additionally instructed authorities to take action against Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) found neglecting responsibilities related to door-to-door surveys and mobilising children for vaccination. Officials have been asked to ensure that all eligible children are covered through routine immunisation sessions and that no beneficiary is left out.

Block Medical Officers (BMOs) and Block Programme Managers (BPMs) have been directed to closely monitor vaccination sessions and ensure timely data entry on the U-WIN portal. District Immunisation Officer Dr. Suchitra Agrawal has been asked to conduct another review of the situation after ten days.

Meanwhile, CMHO Dr. Manoj Shukla has issued show-cause notices to Community Health Officer (CHO) Pooja Soni and Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) Vimla Shukla, both posted at the Ajmain sub-health centre. The notices cite alleged negligence in surveillance, monitoring and outbreak-control activities in the affected villages.

The officials have been directed to submit their replies within two days. The action was initiated after a report prepared by Maihar Block Medical Officer Dr. Piyush Pandey was forwarded to the CMHO for further proceedings.

The CMHO had also recommended temporary closure of schools and anganwadi centres in the affected area to contain the spread of infection. The proposal was sent to the district administration for consideration as health teams continue field investigations and awareness campaigns.

Health officials say measles cases are continuing to emerge from Maihar, Satna, Nagod and Majhgawan areas, making containment efforts critical in the coming days. Further surveillance and vaccination activities are underway, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

Jashpur Bribe: Hospital Dresser Suspended After ₹5,000 Demand Caught On Camera

Viral Graft Incident

A government hospital dresser in Chhattisgarh’s Jashpur district has been placed under suspension after a video showing him accepting a bribe of ₹5,000 went viral on social media. The accused official, Kishor Kumar Chauhan, was posted at the district hospital. The footage, which emerged on April 9, shows him counting the cash and allegedly demanding an additional ₹2,000.

What The Video Shows

In the widely shared clip, Chauhan is seen accepting money from a man seeking medical reimbursement. The conversation also touches upon a treatment expense of ₹45,000, reportedly related to an IVF procedure. The dresser is heard telling the complainant, “We could have sent your bill to Raipur, but it would not have been passed there because IVF costs are not covered.”

Immediate Action Taken

Following the circulation of the video, senior health officials took cognisance of the matter. The Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Jashpur ordered a prompt inquiry. The dresser was suspended under Rule 9 of the Chhattisgarh Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1966. The administration has termed the act a clear violation of the Chhattisgarh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1965.

Official Statement On Matter

Dr. G.S. Jatra, the Chief Medical and Health Officer, confirmed the development. “Prima facie, the viral video shows a serious offence. This kind of illegal gratification by a government servant not only violates service rules but also tarnishes the image of the department,” he said. The CMHO added that a detailed departmental inquiry has been ordered, promising strict disciplinary action if the charges are proven.

Background Of The Case

Sources indicated that the complainant had applied for a cashless treatment or reimbursement after incurring medical expenses. However, instead of processing the claim, the dresser allegedly demanded a bribe to get the file cleared. No formal complaint has been filed by the individual seen in the video, which is now being treated as key evidence in the internal probe.

Impact And Analysis

The incident has sparked outrage in the region, with locals questioning the transparency of government health services. Latest news today from Jashpur highlights a growing concern over petty corruption in public hospitals. This public interest story has put the spotlight back on the need for strict vigilance in state-run healthcare facilities. Government updates indicate a zero-tolerance approach towards such conduct.

What Happens Next

Chauhan has been attached to the Community Health Centre in Patthalgaon as his headquarters for the duration of the suspension. He will be eligible for a subsistence allowance as per rules. The CMHO’s office stated that a final report on the national and international news front for corruption cases is expected within weeks. Meanwhile, health department officials confirmed that more staff members could face scrutiny if their roles are uncovered during the investigation. This trending news India story serves as a fresh reminder of ongoing efforts to clean up public service delivery at the grassroots level.