As many as 35 children were hospitalised in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district after falling ill due to suspected food poisoning from kheer served as part of their mid-day meal. The incident occurred at the Government Primary School Badi, located near Patlikul in the Manali subdivision, on Tuesday.
Mass Illness Following Mid-Day Meal
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the affected students hail from several nearby villages including Jandi, Badi, Bashkola, Rankharu, and Bajgadi. The children began experiencing severe vomiting and other health complications shortly after consuming the kheer, which was part of the regular mid-day meal provided at the school. Reports indicate that some students fainted outside the school premises immediately after dismissal as they were returning home.
Upon learning about the mass illness and the deteriorating condition of the children, local community leaders, including panchayat president Kamal Kant and vice-president Lalit, promptly organised assistance to transport the affected students to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Patlikul. Parents and concerned family members also rushed to the hospital upon receiving the distressing news.
Medical Assessment and Concerns
Dr Mohit Sharma, the physician attending to the children at CHC Patlikul, indicated that the symptoms are highly suggestive of food poisoning. Medical professionals are also investigating the possibility of contaminated water being a contributing factor to the outbreak. A comprehensive investigation is underway to ascertain the precise cause of the mass illness.
Naggar BMO Karan confirmed that all 35 children are receiving continuous medical attention and monitoring at CHC Patlikul. A dedicated team of doctors is overseeing their recovery, and the state health department is closely observing the situation. The children’s health status is being closely managed to ensure their prompt recuperation.
Official Visit and Parental Demands
Manali MLA Bhuvneshwar Gaur visited the hospital following the incident. He interacted with the affected children, inquired about their well-being, and spoke with their anxious families. The legislator also consulted with the attending medical staff to gain a thorough understanding of the children’s health condition and the ongoing treatment protocols.
The families of the affected children, including Ram Chand, Mukesh Kumar, Ishant, Devraj, Hira Lal, Mehar Chand, and Sunil, have voiced significant concern and demanded a thorough investigation into the incident. The sudden and widespread illness among young students has caused considerable anxiety across the region, with parents calling for assurances regarding the safety and quality of food provided under the mid-day meal programme.
The mid-day meal scheme, a flagship government program, aims to provide nutritious meals to schoolchildren, thereby improving their nutritional status and encouraging school attendance. Incidents of foodborne illnesses, however, raise critical questions about the implementation and oversight of food safety standards in educational institutions across the country. Authorities are expected to take stringent measures to prevent recurrence and ensure the well-being of students.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
