“I was worried about the baby. The mother couldn’t come for immunisation due to the weather, so I decided to reach them myself,” said Kamla Devi.
Shimla: A heart-stopping video from Himachal Pradesh is winning hearts online, showing a nurse risking her life to ensure a newborn received timely vaccination.
The clip, now viral on social media, captures 40-year-old health worker Kamla Devi carefully hopping across slippery boulders as a river roared below in Mandi district. With her shoes in one hand and a backpack on her shoulders, she navigated the perilous terrain to reach the infant.
Explaining her actions to The Indian Express, Kamla Devi said, “I was worried about the baby. The mother couldn’t come for immunisation due to the weather, so I decided to reach them myself.”
Posted at the Primary Health Centre in Sudhar, Padhar tehsil, Devi also manages the Swar Health Sub-Centre, covering the mother and child, making their care her responsibility.
On Friday, she took the risky crossing to adhere to the newborn’s vaccination schedule. “There was nothing else on my mind. I don’t know who recorded the video. Since it went viral, I’ve been receiving calls congratulating and saluting me,” she said.
Chief Medical Officer Deepali Sharma praised Kamla Devi’s dedication but cautioned against risking lives. “It was courageous, but we don’t want health workers to endanger themselves. If access is difficult, arrangements will be made to reach beneficiaries safely,” she said.
The video has sparked widespread reactions online. While many praised Kamla Devi’s bravery and commitment, others highlighted the urgent need for safer access for health workers in remote areas, ensuring their safety while serving the community.
