Vitamin A shortage in Govt hospitals in Bandipora hits children’s immunisation

Bandipora, Nov 8: The acute shortage of vitamin A, vital for child immunisation or supplementation, has hit north Kashmir's Bandipora district.

Scores of parents whose children are undergoing immunisation at different hospitals and medical centers in this north Kashmir district, under the national welfare programme falling in the ambit of Family Welfare MCH & Immunization J&K, complained they have to purchase the vials from private clinics.

"I had been to the district hospital for my child's scheduled vaccination, but I was directed to get the vitamin A from the private medical shop," a parent told Greater Kashmir.

Notably, a 4 ml vial of the concentrated vitamin in oil form, also known as Retinyl Palmitate, is priced between seventy to hundred rupees, and parents are left with no option but to purchase them from the market.

Essential for the functioning of the immune system and the healthy growth and development of children, although usually acquired through a healthy diet, its deficiency is the leading cause of preventable childhood blindness and increases the risk of death from common childhood infections, such as measles and those causing diarrhea, World Health Organisation notes.

Even though most families can afford it, those living in poverty and not aware of the importance skip the supplementation due to no availability, an insider not wishing to be named said, adding “ they don't have the money or don't want to spend on it.”

However, many are questioning the non availability and are requesting it be made available to "reduce the frustration new parents feel," in case it is skipped.

Insiders said the shortage of the vitamin has hit the immunisation process for almost "two months" and is felt "across Jammu and Kashmir", even as private clinics are "making a business out of it."

The Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Bandipora, Mohammad Shafi Koka, also confirmed the shortage of vitamins to Greater Kashmir at the hospital's immunisation center.

On taking the issue with Chief Medical Officer Bandipora, Dr Rafi Ahamd Salati, he confirmed the shortage has been there for a "good amount of time."

On being pressed again if the shortage has been for a month or two, he said, it has been for "nearly two months."

The CMO added that the shortage is felt across all over Jammu and Kashmir and once supplies arrive, "it will be made available at immunisation centers."