Infant death blamed on officials

Mom Kunthear

Phnom Penh Post

A FAMILY in Svay Rieng province has blamed workers at a provincial health centre for the death of an almost two-month-old baby who died shortly after receiving a standard vaccination earlier this month.

The parents said the baby boy died March 11, one day after he was injected with a vaccination for tuberculosis at the Kra Sang provincial health centre in Romeas Hek district.

“Two health officers came to my house and they asked my wife whether my son had a vaccination yet,” said Chhun Phally, 27. “My wife allowed them to inject my son because he had never received an injection.”

Chhun Phally said his son cried for the next day, prompting his wife, Am Yat, 28, to give the infant paracetamol, a pain reliever. “I called those health officials to see my son, but they refused to come. So they made my son die,” Chhun Phally said.

The baby’s mother said she believes her son should still be alive today. “If I did not allow them to inject my son, he would not die,” Am Yat said.

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