TNR News Network
Mandi:
The health worker from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh whose dramatic photo of leaping across a flooded stream with a vaccine box went viral during the August rain disaster has now been honoured with a Rs 5 lakh reward by the Serum Institute of India.
Kamla Devi, the health worker posted at the Suhar Primary Health Centre (PHC) in the remote Chohar Valley of Mandi, received the award from Dr Cyrus Poonawalla, Chairman of Serum Institute, at his residence in Pune. Earlier, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla had also sent her a commendation letter acknowledging her extraordinary courage.
Risked her life to vaccinate 2-month-old child
During the devastating monsoon-triggered disaster, Kamla Devi was handling responsibilities for both PHC-Suhar and the adjoining Swad area. A two-month-old infant in Swad was due for vaccination, but landslides and road closures had cut off access to the village.
Determined not to miss the crucial immunisation window, Kamla decided to brave the elements. Carrying the vaccine box, she jumped across a raging, overflowing stream on the Swad route. A local resident captured the moment in photos and video, which quickly spread across the country and drew widespread admiration.
Why Serum chose to honour her
Since most of the vaccines administered to infants in India are produced by the Serum Institute, Kamla’s commitment to delivering them, even in life-threatening conditions, reached the attention of Dr Poonawalla. Deeply moved, he decided to personally honour her bravery and dedication.
Kamla Devi said the recognition was unlike anything she had ever imagined. Serum Institute arranged her vehicle from Mandi to Kangra airport, flight tickets to Pune and accommodation in a five-star hotel.
“I received VVIP treatment throughout. Dr Cyrus appreciated my work, spoke to me about vaccines and encouraged me to continue serving people with the same dedication,” she said.
