|
Kurla residents fall sick after being administered fake Hepatitis and typhoid vaccinations at home
Residents of Kurla (East) were glad to have got cheap vaccines, but their happiness was short-lived. Several residents soon complained of severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever, after being administered fake vaccinations for Hepatitis A, B, and typhoid for as little as Rs 20-50 by conmen posing as door-to-door government agents. The so-called 'agents' even handed out cards, which didn't have any particulars of the vaccine. Normally, the vaccinations for Hepatitis A cost Rs 1,000-1,360, Rs 50-250 for Hepatitis B, and Rs 100-300 for Typhoid. Local doctors are now in the process of filing a complaint with the ward office.
Dr Sunita Dube, secretary, Kurla East Doctors Association, and director, Aryan Group Hospital, said, "People should never opt for cheaper vaccinations, their life may depend on it. I have spoken to BMC officials, and expect strict action against the culprits."
Another doctor Jyotsna Jadhav, added, "If this continues, it may end in loss of life. The cards issued to the residents had no proper details. There was no mention of the dose, neither did it mention any details about who had administered the vaccine."
Satturam Kudiya, a local, said, "Both my children were vaccinated and they have been sick ever since. The 'agents' claimed they were with the government, and would charge Rs 50-70, whereas a vaccination at a regular doctor would cost up to Rs 10,000.
Narendra Barde, assistant municipal commissioner, L ward, said, "If this is corroborated, we will take strict action against the culprits."
| What is Hepatitis A? |
|
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus. It's more common in children than in adults. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. It is 50 to 100 times more infectious than HIV. |
| What you should demand from an agent |
|
>>Demand for an identity card from every agent
>>Check if the agent is carrying a vaccine cold storage system
>>Check the manufacturing and expiry date on the vaccine
>>Ensure that a new needle is used with every vaccine
>>The address and phone number of the authority or person administering the vaccine must be provided
>>Before taking or allowing other family members to take the vaccination, check with doctors in the locality if local health authorities are providing this vaccine.
| | 
