Nearly 250 students from 20 ashram schools in Dahanu taluka of Maharashtra’s Palghar district fell ill due to food poisoning and were rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment, a senior official reported on Tuesday.
These students, attending ashram schools (residential facilities for tribal pupils), experienced health complications such as nausea, vomiting, and giddiness within a couple of hours after consuming dinner from a central kitchen in Kalamgaon on Monday. District Collector Govind Bodke informed the media that the students were promptly taken to nearby hospitals and health centers by their teachers.
Current Status of Affected Students
- Ongoing Treatment: Approximately 150 students are still receiving treatment at primary health centers (PHCs) and rural hospitals in Kasa, Talasari, Wangaon, Palghar, and Manor. Their condition is reported to be stable.
- Discharged: The remaining affected students have been discharged after receiving medical attention.
Response and Investigation
A thorough probe has been ordered to investigate the incident. Following the outbreak:
- Inspection: District Collector Govind Bodke, along with senior officials, visited the health centers treating the students and inspected the central kitchen where the food was prepared.
- Sample Collection: State Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and police personnel collected food samples from the central kitchen and sent them to laboratories for testing.
- Investigations: The sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) will conduct an investigation, while the FDA and police will perform independent probes.
Affected Institutions
The ashram schools affected by the incident operate under the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) and are located in Dahanu, Palghar, Talasari, and Vasai talukas of the district, according to Resident Deputy Collector Subhash Bhagade.
The authorities are taking all necessary measures to ensure the well-being of the students and to prevent such incidents from recurring. Further updates will be provided as the investigations progress.
