Shaktisinh Gohil demands probe into expired polio vaccines in Gujarat

VVM, Vaccine Viral Monitor, is an indicator of the validity of the medicine. The medicine is usable in its colourless form. It is necessary to store the vaccine at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. When the vaccine is exposed to a higher temperature, it falls under non-usable category.

Demanding immediate action in the matter, a release from Gohil’s office stated, “Why was the polio vaccine not destroyed even after the district health departments clearly said it was in the last stage and there was the possibility that it may expire by the time it reached beneficiaries? Despite clear communication in writing, why did the BJP government not destroy the stock? In what condition did the polio vaccines reach Gujarat? What was their VVM status? I demand that the drug company Sanofi Pasteur come forward and clarify the status of vaccines they sent to Gujarat. Additionally, the World Health Organisation and UNICEF should institute an inquiry taking serious cognizance of all the written communication that the district health department had with their senior officers.”
Alleging that despite numerous warnings from health chiefs, the officials had directed the use of the medicine, he said “It is an act of criminal negligence.”

The Congress’ national spokesperon added, “The BJP government has played dirty with the parents and children who have used this vaccine.”