A 10-month-old baby named Sumaiya in Ward 19 of Rajshahi city has been accused of giving extra vaccine dose to Rasik public health workers. The family members of the child alleged that the female health workers were busy with mobile phones and gossip while giving the dose of the vaccine.

The incident has caused widespread anger among the locals in the area. Ward Councilor Touhidul Haque Sumon came to the spot and calmed down the situation. At the same time, 4 health workers have been suspended for negligence in their duties, said Ward Councilor Sumon. The sacked are Jasna, a field worker in Rasik’s public health department, Shilpi, Tahmina and Azahar Ali, a supervisor.

The incident took place at around 12:30 pm on Sunday (January 9) at the Urban Clinic near Sheikh Russell Children’s Park in Chhota Banagram area.

Touhidul Haque Sumon said the medical officer of Rasik’s health department, Dr. Bonnie, came to the clinic. He told us that the child would not have any problem giving extra vaccines.

Shishu Sumaiya is the daughter of Saddam Hussein of Assam Colony under Chandrima Police Station. Saddam Hussein said that my child was given the 3rd dose last (23 June 2021). Then the 4th dose was supposed to be given on last (12 December 2021). We were not vaccinated at that time as we were not in Rajshahi. On Sunday, my wife went to vaccinate the baby. There, the health workers gave 4 vaccines instead of one.

My baby has a fever because of the extra vaccines. Besides, she is just crying and can’t stand still. At the same time, the baby is not drinking breast milk. At present, her family members are frustrated with the child Sumaiya.

Vaccination supervisor said. Azahar Ali said, I was not in the center. I went to another center to get vaccinated. It is a mistake that a health worker named Josna vaccinated the child without looking at the register book and tab. This is his responsibility.

He added that Sumaiya had been vaccinated with one injection and three injections.

Rasik’s chief public health officer, Dr. F.A.M. Anjuman Ara Begum said a three-member committee has been formed in the incident. The health official said that further action will be taken after receiving the investigation report.