Jharkhand: 3 infants die after vaccination

Three infants died while six took unwell in Loyenga village of Jharkhand's Palamu district, hours after they were vaccinated.

The local villagers alleged that the children's health deteriorated soon after they were vaccinated for Japanese encephalitis, measles and DPT. The angry locals also took hostage the village's Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM).

Concerned officials reached the village to probe the reason behind the death.

"Matter is in initial stages, only after investigation we can ascertain the reason," investigation team doctor Anil Kumar Srivastava said.

Chief Minister Raghubar Das also announced a compensation of Rs.1 lakh each for families of the victims.

"I have instructed Health Secretary to visit the spot and identify lapses, strict action will be taken as per the report. Rs.1 lakh compensation will be given to each family, though money can't compensate the loss. We deeply sympathise with families," Das told ANI.

MLA Radhakrishna who visited the village, said, "A team is probing the matter, if wrongdoings are found, action will be taken. Chief Minister has expressed grief and directed for compensation of Rs.1 lakh each for families of infants who died."

(ANI)