The medical fraternity has taken a strong objection to ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) dispensing strong antibiotics to few months old babies.

Nine lakhs ASHAs are now authorised to dispense co-trimoxazole and gentamicin to millions of babies born in rural India. Doctors point out that while co-trimoxazole can cause jaundice to babies less than two months old and subsequent brain dysfunction, gentamicin (an injectable) is toxic to both the kidneys and ears.