Nagpur/Gadchiroli: In a shocking incident, 105 girl students at the Government Ashram Shala in Sode, Dhanora taluka, Gadchiroli district, were affected by food poisoning after consuming their meals. These students have been admitted to the Dhanora Sub-District Hospital for treatment, according to a local media report.
The report said that approximately 15 to 20 girls were initially treated and discharged after primary treatment, while 73 students had severe symptoms, leading them to be referred to the Gadchiroli district hospital for further treatment. Treatment has commenced for the affected students. Following this incident, there has been significant uproar, drawing attention to the management of the Ashram Shala within the framework of the tribal development projects.
Reportedly, around noon, the students were served lunch consisting of potatoes-cauliflower curry, lentils, and rice. After consuming this meal, some of the students began experiencing vomiting and diarrhoea. Subsequently, the teachers admitted six to seven girls to the Dhanora sub-district hospital around 3 pm. As their condition worsened despite initial treatment, exhibiting symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, they were further referred to the hospital. All 105 girls affected by food poisoning were admitted to the sub-district hospital. While around 15 students were discharged after treatment, the remaining 75 students are undergoing treatment. The students have been shifted to the district hospital.
Presently, although all students are stable, some are extremely anxious, prompting their referral to the district hospital due to the severity of their condition. Dr. Khandate, a civil surgeon from Gadchiroli, is closely monitoring the medical situation. Rahul Meena, the official from the Gadchiroli Tribal Development Project, is personally present at the hospital, overseeing operations.
While it is known that the contract for providing meals at the school was outsourced, it appears that the school staff themselves were involved in cooking.