A three-year-old girl died in Hamirpur district after allegedly being given cough syrup meant for children aged 14 and above, triggering a police investigation and administrative action.
The incident occurred in the Sichauli Purwaha area under Maudaha police station limits on Tuesday. According to reports, the child had been suffering from cough and cold when her parents took her to a local facility reportedly run by a woman employed as an outsourced attendant at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Arkhara village.
The parents alleged that the woman administered a cough syrup unsuitable for the child’s age. Soon after the dose was given, the girl’s condition reportedly deteriorated, leading to her death.
Probe launched, FIR to be filed
Superintendent of Police Deeksha Sharma stated that the parents have submitted a complaint, based on which an FIR will be registered. She confirmed that an inquiry has already commenced.
Taking serious note of the matter, the district administration ordered a detailed post-mortem examination by a panel of three doctors. Chief Medical Officer Dr Gitam Singh said that no immediate cause of death was found during the autopsy.
“The viscera has been preserved and sent for further investigation. Action will be taken based on the report,” he said.
Action against attendant
The CMO clarified that the woman was not authorised to prescribe medicines and denied that she officially operated a clinic. She has been ordered to be removed from her position pending further inquiry.
Police officials stated that further legal action will depend on the findings of the post-mortem and forensic examination.
The tragic incident has raised concerns about unauthorised medical practices and the importance of ensuring qualified healthcare supervision, especially in cases involving young children.