Maharashtra: 40 students fall ill after eating hostel food, 25 hospitalised
Maharashtra: 40 students fell ill after allegedly eating food in the Social Welfare Hostel located in Nandurbar district. There was a stir in the hostel and administration after the incident. Considering the condition of 25 of the sick students, they were admitted to the hospital, while other students were given first aid. The condition of all the students is being continuously monitored.
This incident took place in the hostel of Social Welfare Department located at Shahada in Nandurbar district. According to the information, some students complained of stomach ache, vomiting, nausea and restlessness after having food in the hostel. Soon the number of students started increasing, after which the hostel administration immediately informed the health department and the local administration.
As soon as the information was received, the medical team reached the spot and started examining all the affected students. Students whose symptoms were found to be more severe were immediately admitted to the government hospital in Shahada. Other students were given first aid and necessary medicines on the spot.
After getting information about the incident, Nandurbar District Magistrate Mithali Sethi herself reached the hospital on Saturday and inquired about the well being of the admitted students. He took information about the treatment from the doctors and directed to ensure that all the students are provided proper medical facilities on time.
Talking to the media, District Magistrate Mithali Sethi said that symptoms like food poisoning and gastritis have been found in 40 children in the hostel of the Social Welfare Department located at Shahada. He said that as a precautionary measure, 25 students have been admitted to the hospital, while the remaining students are also being constantly monitored.
He said, “Symptoms of food poisoning and gastritis have been reported in 40 children of our social welfare hostel in Shahada. Of these, 25 children have been admitted to the hospital. All are undergoing treatment and their condition is being constantly monitored.”
According to the hospital administration, the condition of most of the students is currently stable and they are being given necessary medicines and fluids. The team of doctors is continuously monitoring all the patients. Health officials say that the situation is under control due to timely treatment.
After the incident, the administration has started an investigation into the food served in the hostel. Food samples are being collected and sent to the laboratory to find out the real reason behind the students falling ill. Besides, the kitchen, food storage system and cleanliness of the hostel are also being examined.
Health department officials said that only after the investigation report comes, it will be clear whether the reason for the students falling ill was due to some kind of disturbance in the food or some other reason. At present, as a precautionary measure, all aspects related to the quality and hygiene of food in the hostel are being checked.
The administration has also instructed officials of the Social Welfare Department to prepare a detailed report of the entire matter. If any kind of negligence is revealed in the investigation, then action will be taken against the concerned responsible officers or employees as per rules.
There is an atmosphere of concern among the parents of the students after the incident. The administration has assured them that all the children are being given proper treatment and the condition of any student is not serious. An additional team of doctors has been deployed in the hospital so that immediate medical assistance can be provided if needed.
Health experts say that in case a large number of people fall ill after a group meal, it is very important to check the quality of food, cleanliness of water and maintenance of food items. In such cases, the condition can be controlled with timely treatment and investigation.
At present, treatment of all the affected students is going on and the administration is keeping an eye on the entire matter. The district administration has assured that the cause of the incident will be revealed after the investigation is completed and necessary steps will be taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future.