Times of India
27 May 2010
By Manjari Mishra
Lucknow, India

Four day before Gorakhpur division — the biggest breeding ground of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) virus in UP — readies itself for a vaccination drive, dubious quality of the vaccine vials “being forced on the state” has sent health officials in a tizzy.

Varanasi has received around seven lakh vials from West Bengal and Goa and the mere sight of the stock, claim sources, has made officials break in cold sweat. Additional director, health, Varanasi, Dr Bharat Singh, sources claimed, has shot off a letter to director general, medical health, Dr RR Bharti expressing his reservation about the usability of the stock received. Meanwhile, smelling a rat, local activists in Gorakhpur are up in arms over what they term “Centre’s attempts to use Purvanchal children as guinea pigs”.

The drive to cover select blocks in four districts — Gorakhpur, Kushinagar Maharajganj and Deoria — had already generated much misgivings due to long-drawn tussle between the Centre and the state.

Vaccine Graveyard

• Varanasi received several lakh vials from W Bengal and Goa mere sight of which made officials break in cold sweat.
• Local activists in Gorakhpur are up in arms against what they term “Centre’s attempt to use Purvanchal children as guinea pigs.”