Thiruvananthapuram: State human rights commission (SHRC) termed as serious the allegation that a disinfectant used for cleaning floors was mistakenly given instead of cough syrup to a child at Kulakkada community health centre in Kollam.Commission member V Geetha observed that a detailed investigation was necessary to ascertain the facts of the incident. However, SHRC stated that it wouldn’t intervene presently since a case related to the issue was pending before Kottarakkara judicial first class magistrate court.SHRC had taken note of a complaint filed by Kulakkada-native Anil Kumar, who alleged that phenyl, a chemical used for floor cleaning, was given in place of cough medicine from the govt health centre.However, the medical officer of Kulakkada community health centre, in a report to SHRC, stated that there were no irregularities in the medicines dispensed and the pharmacist personally handed over the medicine to the patient. The superintendent of Kottarakkara taluk hospital also submitted a similar report supporting the health centre.The complainant informed SHRC that the child experienced vomiting and extreme fatigue immediately after being given the medicine from one of the bottles supplied by the health centre. The child was subsequently rushed to taluk hospital, where doctors reportedly performed a stomach wash.According to the complaint, two bottles were given as part of treatment for cough. Doctors later found that one bottle contained cough syrup and the other contained phenyl. Both bottles were part of govt-supplied stock, the complainant said. He stated that the child had an existing liver-related ailment, and the incident increased the risk.SHRC pointed out that the allegation involved a grave lapse that could have endangered the child’s life, underscoring the need for a thorough probe.
