Five Gujarat Children Hospitalised After Diabetes Drug Mix-Up Following Vaccination

Five children were hospitalised in Gujarat’s Surat district after they were mistakenly given a diabetes medication instead of paracetamol following a routine vaccination drive, prompting health authorities to suspend a female health worker and launch a departmental inquiry.

The incident occurred on September 23 during a ‘Mamta Diwas’ immunisation programme at the Palsana-01 sub-centre under the Kanav Primary Health Centre in Palsana taluka. Seven children were vaccinated during the programme.

According to health officials, five of the children were allegedly administered Glimepiride 2 mg, a medicine used for treating diabetes, instead of Paracetamol Kid tablets that are routinely provided after vaccination to help manage fever and discomfort.

The children subsequently developed serious adverse reactions and were admitted to ICU/PICU facilities on September 24 after their condition deteriorated.

HIGHLIGHT: Five children were admitted to intensive care after allegedly receiving Glimepiride 2 mg instead of paracetamol following vaccination. Authorities say the children are now stable.

Surat district health authorities initiated disciplinary proceedings against Induben Ratilal Chaudhary, a Class-3 Female Health Worker, who allegedly distributed the incorrect medication. The Chief District Health Officer subsequently ordered her immediate suspension.

During the suspension period, the health worker has been assigned headquarters at the Dangarapada Primary Health Centre in Umarpada taluka. Departmental proceedings are underway, and further action will depend on the findings of the investigation.

Gujarat Health Minister Prafull Pansheriya described the episode as a serious case of negligence by the vaccination team and confirmed that officials had been directed to conduct a detailed investigation.

The affected children included infants aged approximately three-and-a-half months and one year, according to the minister. He said they received immediate medical treatment and are now stable.

The incident has put attention on medication-handling and safety procedures surrounding routine immunisation programmes, particularly safeguards designed to prevent incorrect medicines from being distributed to children.

Health authorities said a final decision on further disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with government rules after the departmental inquiry is completed.