Enraged by the recommendation of punishment for two doctors in the anti-rabies vaccine purchase of Kerala health department, the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (K.G.M.O.A.) alleged that the two doctors of Quilon district hospital were indicted to save certain influential persons involved in the issue.

According to Dr.O.Vasudevan, president and Dr.C.R.Jayashankar, Secretary, Quilon district branch of K.G.M.O.A., Civil Surgeon Dr.Manilal and Asst. Surgeon Upendran of Government Quilon District Hospital were wrongly indicted by the inspection wing of the state Finance department, to save higher ups involved in the issue.

The doctors, showing commitment to their profession, had promptly reported about the incident of allergy caused to a patient while administering the Abhayrab vaccine. Complaints were given to the Quilon District Superintendent and Store Superintendent, and as a result, usage of the drug was discontinued about a year ago. There were complaints against the drug from other quarters, as well.

Nevertheless, the decision to punish the doctors who reported on the problem was mysterious, and that needs further enquiry, said the association office bearers, who vowed to fight along with the two fellow doctors to prove their innocence in the issue.

Meanwhile, sources said the vigilance enquiry into the issue had also found fault with the decision of the health department officials. The team led by S.P. Sreelekha of State Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau, which enquired into the alleged reaction caused to the patient, had found out the reaction for Abhayrab was caused by poor storage facilities at the district hospital.

At the time of the incident, more than 80 percent of the vaccines supplied by IIL were used, though the company was not paid for the purchase. Since unpaid, the drug had not caused the state exchequer any losses. The drug control officials who inspected the district hospital also had reported poor storage facilities as the reasons for reaction. Nevertheless, the state drug controller had not mentioned about these reports at the Central Purchase Committee (CPC) meeting to cancel the orders of Abhayrab.

Sources said despite the vigilance enquiry and the issue, the health directorate had placed orders worth over Rs. one crore for Rabipur vaccine of Aventis Pharma, this year, said to stock in advance for next year. In June and July this year, the company supplied about 61, 000 vials of vaccine.