Indian Medical Association today termed as 'shocking and public health disaster' the recent death of a 12-year old boy due to diphtheria in Malappuram district in the state.
Return of diseaes like diphtheria, which is eradicated and could be prevented through immunication has caused concern, IMA State President Sreejith Kumar told reporters here today.
Lack of vaccination on children was the main cause that led to outbreak of the disease and death of a child in Malappuram district, Kumar said.
Propaganda against immunisation and unscientific treatment methods practicsed has discouraged people from vaccinatinig their children, he said.
'Law in the country should be suitably amended to make immunisation as right of a child similiar to that of 'right to education', he said.
The persons who make propaganda against immunisation should be booked under law in the state's interest, he said.
Government should take steps to combat superstitious belief against immunisation, he said.
It was a shame for state like Kerala, that boast of high standard of health care, three districts-Malappuram, Kasargod and Palakkad-have come in the list of districts in the country that lag in immunisation programme.
A 12-year old boy Ameeruddin of Kondotty, a resident of an orphanage died at the Government Medical College Hospital at Kozhikdoe yesterday. Some ther children in the district were also suffering due the disease.
IMA asked government to strengthen the public health system at the primary level by initiating a steps to prevent diseases by taking up immunisation programmes.
A massive campaign programme to create awareness about the benefits of immunisiation and also scientific methods of treatments would be organised by IMA, he added.
