The NHRC probes fatal food poisoning incidents in Andhra Pradesh that caused the death of three children and issues notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Government of Andhra Pradesh calling for a detailed report. The tragic incidents that took place in August 2024 have caused widespread destruction and prompted concerns about the safety protocols in schools and orphanages statewide.
At Chittoor Apollo Health University, the initial case occurred when an astonishing 70 students were affected by food poisoning. The second incident, which was even more shocking, resulted in the tragic deaths of three youths at a PASA Trust-run orphanage in Anakapalli district. Apart from the deaths, 37 more kids were impacted by the tainted food given at the orphanage.
The Trust’s hostel, a religious organization, houses 96 children from tribal villages and conducts weekly gatherings. The origin of the outbreak was determined to be the tainted biryani, samosa, and sambar that were provided at the orphanage on Saturday evening.
The next day, the kids started suffering from intense vomiting, resulting in the tragic death of three individuals. Two young girls in third grade and a boy in first grade were victims of the outbreak due to negligence, resulting in their lives being tragically cut short.
More information is being revealed about the grave consequences of the food poisoning incidents in Andhra Pradesh. M.S.V.K Balaji, medical and health officer of Anakapalli district, reported that 74 children were impacted by the tainted food. Out of these, 16 patients were admitted at KGH in Visakhapatnam City, 17 at Narsipatnam Area Hospital, five at Kotavuratla CHC, and 36 at the Paderu area hospital in Alluri Sitarama Raju district.
The most severe cases were transferred to KGH in Visakhapatnam for specialized treatment. V.V.S. Sarma, who is the ASR District Deputy Collector assigned to KGH Hospital, stated that five out of the 16 children being treated at KGH were in intensive care because of their critical condition, but were improving.
The NHRC, greatly concerned by these troubling events, has independently taken notice of the issue, sending strong notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police in Andhra Pradesh. The Commission has requested a thorough report in four weeks with thorough probing and zero tolerance for negligence. NHRC has instructed to see that the reports include the status of the FIRs and the health status of the victims of the food poisoning.
The inquiry will likely explore the underlying reasons for these poisonings, reviewing the safety protocols and procedures implemented at the impacted establishments. The NHRC will also examine how well local authorities responded, making sure every effort is made to uncover the truth.
These events have sparked a heated discussion regarding the standard of meals provided in schools and children's homes throughout the state. It is crucial that strict measures are in place to prioritize the safety and welfare of students and vulnerable populations.
(Input from various media sources)
(Rehash/ Dr. Abhilasha Manker / MSM)
