Health centre Aaya gives medicine, 3-year-old dies in Hamirpur district

A 3-year-old boy in Hamirpur died after allegedly ingesting cough syrup. An inquiry is underway into the incident involving an unauthorized caregiver.

A 3-year-old boy died on Tuesday afternoon in Hamirpur district after allegedly ingesting a cough syrup prescribed to him for his cold and cough. Taking the matter seriously the district administration has conducted a detailed post-mortem examination by a panel of three doctors on Wednesday.

For representation only (HT File Photo)

The sub-divisional magistrate said a panel has been constituted to conduct an inquiry into the circumstances leading to the child’s death.

The boy, Kartik Verma of Sichauli Purwaha area, under Maudaha police station, was taken to a woman in the neighbourhood. He was suffering from a cough and cold. The woman, who had opened a small clinic, is said to be working as an outsourced Aaya in a community health centre (CHC) in Arkhara village and used to run the clinic part time.

According to Kartik’s parents, she had allegedly given the boy Codex syrup for cold and cough. After consuming it the boy died. After the parents complained, the matter went to the administration and Karan Veer Singh, SDM, Maudaha, reached the place for investigation.

SHO Kotwali Santosh Kumar said further action will be taken after the post-mortem report is received. “The matter is under investigation,” he said.

Sub-divisional magistrate Karn Veer Singh said a panel has been constituted to conduct an inquiry into the circumstances leading to the child’s death.

Madhumita Ghosh