In a video that has gone viral, a nurse in Himachal Pradesh was seen risking her life to reach a newborn who had to be immunised. Kamla Devi, a 40-year-old health worker, was seen jumping from one boulder to another as she held her shoes in one hand and her backpack over her shoulders to cross the raging waters in Mandi district.
“I was worried about the baby. The mother couldn’t come for immunisation because of the weather. So, I thought I should reach them,” she told The Indian Express.
It was my responsibilty, says Kamla Devi
Kamala Devi, who is posted at the Primary Health Centre in Sudhar, Padhar tehsil, had been given additional charge of the Swar Health Sub-Centre, under which the mother and child’s home fell. This made the infant’s vaccination her responsibility as well, she explained.
So, on Friday, she decided to cross the river without fearing for her own safety. “The infant’s immunisation schedule demanded my immediate attention. There was nothing else on my mind. I don’t know who shot a video. Since it went viral, I have been answering phone calls only. People are congratulating and saluting me,” she said.
Authorities Urge Caution for Health Workers
Chief medical officer Deepali Sharma acknowledged Devi’s “grand gesture” but cautioned other health workers not to take “avoidable risks.”
“It was a courageous step on her part. But we don’t want our health workers to endanger themselves. If there is an inaccessibility factor, we’ll make arrangements for them to reach the beneficiaries,” she told The Indian Express.
The video has gone viral on social media. Many praised Kamla Devi’s commitment and courage. “Such people truly need appreciation! With roads blocked due to floods and landslides, she carried duty on her shoulders,” wrote one user.
Others, however, criticised the lack of infrastructure and questioned why health workers were forced into life-threatening situations. “Her efforts are commendable. But why have the authorities not provided any alternative solutions? Why no emergency infra for such cases?” asked another.