Health department officials taking samples of contaminated food. (Awakening)
Jagran correspondent, Angul. At least 98 girl students of Bounceput Government Upper Primary School in Bandhugaon block of Odisha's Koraput district fell ill after eating suspected contaminated food on Saturday and have been admitted to a nearby hospital for treatment. The matter is raising questions on the health and quality of the school food system.
According to the information received about the incident, the girl students ate the food served in the school on Saturday morning and after that symptoms like vomiting, dizziness and stomach pain started appearing.
On receiving information about this, school headmaster Rajendra Kumar Saikia immediately informed the health center and started arrangements for treatment. Under this, the Health Department team reached the spot and all the affected girl students were admitted to Bandhugaon Hospital.
Statement from health officials
City Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr. Arvind Mishra said that from the initial symptoms it appears to be a case of food poisoning, but to find out the exact cause, food samples have been sent to the laboratory for testing.
He said that the condition of all the girl students is currently stable and they are being given necessary treatment. A detailed report will be issued after completion of the investigation.
All aspects will be reviewed
District Education Officer (DEO) Abhishek Patnaik said that strict guidelines have been put in place to maintain the quality and hygiene of food in the school. He said that a special investigation committee has been formed to investigate the incident, which will review all aspects of the school's kitchen arrangements, food material and management.
He assured that if any kind of negligence is found, strict action will be taken against the culprits.
anger among local people
After the incident, concern and anger has been seen among parents and local villagers. Many parents have demanded clear answers and accountability from the administration, so that similar incidents do not happen again in future.
Both the Health Department team and the Education Administration are jointly investigating the cases and the process of providing relief and necessary support to the affected families is underway soon.