Over 150 Students Fall Ill After Mid-Day Meal at Bihar School

In a concerning incident, more than 150 students at Middle School Balwaha in Saharsa district, Bihar, reported illness on Thursday after consuming their mid-day meal. The alarming situation unfolded when children began exhibiting symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, and dizziness shortly after eating, prompting immediate action from school authorities.

Health officials and police promptly arrived at the scene to address the crisis. Many of the ailing children were swiftly transported to local hospitals for medical care. Saharsa District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar confirmed that around 115 children were referred to Sadar Hospital, while an additional 40 to 50 students were admitted to the community health centre. Fortunately, medical professionals later reported that all affected children were stable, though some exhibited mild fever and remained under observation.

According to the school’s acting principal, Anupama Kumari, the mid-day meal served to students was provided by a non-governmental organization. Kumari detailed that a child’s plate had shown unusual content, which led to the discovery of the issue. Initial reports from villagers suggested the presence of either an insect or a snake in the food, raising concerns about food safety and hygiene standards.

This incident has ignited discussions surrounding the implementation and oversight of the mid-day meal scheme, which aims to provide nutritious meals to students, particularly in rural areas. The program has been instrumental in enhancing school attendance and promoting the health of children from underprivileged backgrounds. However, instances like this raise urgent questions about quality control and health standards in food served to students.

In light of the situation, officials have urged parents and the community to remain calm, emphasizing that the children are receiving necessary medical attention and that swift measures are in place to investigate the source of the food contamination. The administration has stated that a thorough inquiry will be conducted to prevent such incidents in the future.

Source: scroll.in