Locals in Dilashaini Rural Municipality, Baitadi, blocked the Gokuleswor–Ganna–Latinath road, demanding compensation following the death of an infant under suspicious circumstances after vaccination.
Adarsh Rana, a two-month-old son of Mukesh Rana from Dilashaini-2, Chepatta, passed away Wednesday night. According to local Dhruv Rana, the infant was vaccinated earlier that day at the Birthing Center in Dilashaini-3.
Adarsh received the second dose of DPT, the first dose of PCV, along with OPV and Rotavirus vaccine as part of a regular immunization program. Following the vaccination at noon, he developed a fever by 3 p.m. and started frothing at the mouth later in the evening. While being transported to Dadeldhura Hospital for further treatment after failing to receive care at Gokuleswor Hospital, the infant tragically passed away en route.
Sanju Bohara, in charge of Rudreshwar Health Post in Dilasaini-3, stated that the same vaccines were administered to other children the previous day without any complications, making Adarsh’s case unusual. The locals reported the matter to the District Health Office, alleging the vaccines caused the infant’s death. However, health officials stated the cause of death could only be confirmed after an autopsy.
The road blockade was initiated by locals demanding a fair investigation into the incident and compensation for the bereaved family. Dhruv Rana emphasized the need for accountability, holding the vaccination program responsible for the infant’s death.
