KOZHIKODE: The district medical authorities in Malappuram have urged the government to initiate legal action against naturopath Jacob Vadakkanchery for spearheading a campaign against vaccination. The DMO office had sent an audio clip of Mr Vadakkanchery, which has been widely circulated through WhatsApp alleging that vaccination is a conspiracy undertaken for corporates.
“We had sent the audio tape to the health secretary to initiate legal action. The stiff resistance against vaccination was centred on Valavannur. Now it has been extended to the entire district,” said deputy DMO Dr R. Renuka. Besides Mr Vadakkanchery, a few homoeo doctors are also in the campaign backed by religious groups. On October 26, a seminar was held by the anti-vaccination group attended by scores of people. Doctors were of the opinion that the media, particularly vernacular magazines, were promoting these types of dangerous unscientific campaigns disguised as environment-friendly living. DMO officials say that the hate campaign spread blatant lies that the vaccination was a conspiracy to rein in the Muslim population in Malappuram.
In the audio clip, Mr Vadakkanchery has challenged the authorities to arrest him as he is speaking against vaccination which is a violation of the national health policy. “Did any of our doctors or scientists who argue for vaccination give vaccine to their kids?” he asks. He alleges that cancer- causing elements were present in many serums used for vaccination.
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