The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has asked the Rohtak Deputy Commissioner (DC) to conduct an immediate inquiry into a complaint alleging denial of emergency administration of anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) to a minor child at PGIMS-Rohtak.
The DC has also been asked to take necessary action against the PGIMS and share the action taken report within seven days. The commission has acted on a complaint filed by the child’s mother. “As per the complaint, the Child was required to be administered an ARV dose. However, it was allegedly denied by the medical staff despite the case being of an urgent nature. The complainant has further alleged negligence, lack of coordination among hospital staff and inappropriate conduct, which caused mental distress to the child and family. Considering that rabies is a life threatening condition requiring timely intervention, the matter reflects serious concerns of medical negligence and violation of child rights,” the commission said in the communiqué.
Dr Renu Phaugat, the complainant, alleged that at PGIMS, her 10-year-old son was denied the third dose of the ARV, despite rabies being a nearly 100% fatal disease and NRCP/WHO guidelines clearly stating that missed doses should be administered as soon as possible.
“The third dose was scheduled for February 12. We reached the Emergency Department on February 13 after an approximately 24 hours of delay, but the staff repeatedly asked us to come to the OPD the next day. Even after receiving an “emergency stamp” from the CMO office, the vaccine was not administered, forcing us to visit the Civil Hospital the same evening for vaccination,” she alleged.
She further claimed that despite submitting a rigorous point-by-point rebuttal to PGIMS’ claims on CPGRAMS, no effective action has been taken by the authorities to date. The matter was raised before PGIMS administration, CPGRAMS, the Health Minister and the Governor’s office, she claimed. However, only the NCPCR ultimately took cognisance and sought a report from the district administration, she added.
DC Sachin Gupta said he had sought a report from the PGIMS authorities.
