A shocking incident has come to light from Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh where an ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife) named Niha Khan deputed at Jamalpur urban primary health centre was caught throwing 29 vaccine-loaded syringes in the dustbin. Niha used to insert syringe needle inside the body of the vaccine recipients but took them out without releasing the vaccine. A Zee News report has claimed that Niha’s intention behind the evil exercise was to spread the virus so that there may be mayhem across the country.
UP's Aligarh: ANM Niha Khan inserted injection's needle in recipients' arm but didn't inject Covid-19 vaccine, and vaccines found in dustbin.
There can be more cases
When you get vaccinated, check that your certificate mentions name of medical staff who vaccinated you.
Sample: pic.twitter.com/8EnfOFLOOH
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) May 30, 2021
Reportedly, the in-charge of the Centre, Dr Afreen, was aware of Niha’s action but she did not take any action, nor tried to inform her superiors about the incident. Prima face, it looks like Dr Afreen was also an accomplice of Niha and seems to have encouraged her behaviour.
An FIR has been registered against both Niha and Dr Afreen for medical negligence and the police is expected to take tough actions against the duo.
“On a complaint from CMO stating that 29 COVID vaccine loaded syringes were thrown away in garbage & the beneficiaries were marked as ‘vaccinated’ at Jamalpur PHC, an FIR has been registered against ANM Niha Khan & Dr Afreen Zehra” Vishal Chaudhary, Aligarh CO was quoted as saying by ANI.
On a complaint from CMO stating that 29 COVID vaccine loaded syringes were thrown away in garbage & the beneficiaries were marked as 'vaccinated' at Jamalpur PHC, an FIR has been registered against ANM Niha Khan & Dr Afreen Zehra: Aligarh CO (Civil Lines) Vishal Chaudhary (30.05) pic.twitter.com/xUOyzjOSbs
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) May 30, 2021
The matter came to light last week when 29 Covid vaccine-loaded syringes (Covaxin) were found in the dustbin. Niha, who was on the duty at the time became the number one suspect as the chief medical officer (CMO), Aligarh, Dr Bhanu Pratap Kalyani ordered a probe by a committee of additional CMO Dr MK Mathur and deputy CMO Durgesh Kumar.
After interrogating the entire staff of the primary health centre including Niha and the doctor, the committee submitted its report and recommended the termination of Khan and her services.
Agra District Magistrate of Aligarh Chandra Bhushan Singh instantly issued a show-cause notice to Khan and acting on the recommendation of the probe committee that indicted Khan, terminated her contractual service.
Read More: Covid-19 cases surge during the month of Ramzan, stones are pelted on those trying to stop it
Both the perpetrators have brought shame to the noble profession of medical healthcare professionals. At a time when the government is gradually increasing the vaccine production and each vial is precious, more so than ever — the wastage of vaccines and deliberately fooling the public should amount to a strict prison sentence for Khan and the doctor.