10-year-old girl dies of fever, father alleges negligence at Community Health Centre

In Odhan village of Sirsa, a 10-year-old girl named Fiza recently died under “suspicious circumstances” after falling ill with fever. Following her death, many residents in the same ward have reported fever and low platelet counts, with nearly every household affected.

Fiza’s father, Iqbal Khan, said, out of the 12 members in their family, five, including his wife Ravina, were unwell.

Some of them also had low platelet counts.

He alleged that when Fiza was brought to the Odhan CHC, her condition was not critical. However, after receiving treatment — including a an IV drip administered — she began shivering, and her condition worsened.

Doctors referred her to another hospital, but she did not survive. Khan accused the CHC administration of negligence, saying: “I had adopted Fiza eight years ago; she was my only child. God has taken her from me.”

Fiza’s family said, when she did not get relief at Odhan CHC, they took her to a private hospital in Sirsa, where she vomited blood. She was then referred to Agroha Medical College, where she passed away.

Relatives said Fiza’s cousin, Ruksana, was also suffering from fever, with a low platelet count. Residents said poor sanitation in the ward had led to mosquito infestations.

Streets 76, 77, and 78, along with nearby lanes and wards 4 and 6 near Baba Ramdev Temple, have seen numerous fever cases. Area residents shared alarming accounts: Baljeet Singh of Ward 6 said six of his seven family members were unwell. Saroj Rani of Street 78 said she had been ill for seven days and hospitalised for five. Badri Prasad, another area resident, said two of his children were affected. Locals cited stagnant water, clogged drains, and contaminated water as major factors contributing to the spread. They said the Health Department, despite the rising number of cases, had not conducted surveys or taken adequate preventive measures.

Responding to the situation, Dr Sumit Jain, SMO of the Odhan CHC, said Fiza was severely ill when brought in, and the staff tried their best before referring her to another hospital. Dr Jain said the illness is a viral fever, with 40-50 patients visiting the CHC daily with similar symptoms. He added that Fiza was brought to the CHC late by her parents, but the medical staff made every possible effort to treat her.

He said there was no negligence in her treatment, adding that her death may have been due to high fever affecting the brain. He said fogging had been done recently near Baba Ramdev Temple, and additional fumigation and a survey in the affected areas would be done.