Panel to probe ‘vaccine deaths’

“The vaccine programme will remain suspended till then,” a senior ministry official said.  

The programme was started in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. However,it became a matter of concern after the vaccine,Gardasil,reportedly led to the death of four girls who were administered the dose in Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh.

While experts from the Indian Council Of Medical Research (ICMR),who have already been inquiring into the case,have ruled out that the deaths were due to the vaccine,they asked the Health Ministry to set up the inquiry committee after CPM leader Brinda0 Karat raised the issue,complaining of violation of guidelines and exploitation of people following the deaths. She also demanded an impartial inquiry into the case.

“The girls did not die of the vaccine. But it is important to clear the air,” Dr V M Katoch,DG,ICMR said.

Azad also wrote to Karat on Saturday disclosing the factual position. 

The clinical trials of the vaccine had been started by a non-governmental organisation after the approval from the State Advisory Committees and the ethical committees of the Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat governments and the National Technical Advisory Group.