What Caused 24 Children to Fall Ill After a Mid-Day Meal in Deoghar?
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Synopsis
In Deoghar, Jharkhand, a concerning event has taken place as 24 children became ill after a mid-day meal at a government school. With reports of potentially contaminated food, the health department is now investigating. This incident raises serious questions about food safety in schools across the region.
Key Takeaways
- 24 students fell ill after a mid-day meal in Deoghar.
- A dead lizard was allegedly found in the food.
- All affected children are now stable and recovering.
- The health department is investigating the incident.
- This is part of a troubling trend regarding food safety in schools.
Deoghar (Jharkhand), May 15 (NationPress) - A troubling incident unfolded on Thursday when 24 students fell ill after partaking in a mid-day meal at a government school located in the Mohanpur block of Jharkhand's Deoghar district.
The event took place at the Government Upgraded Middle School in Jamunia village shortly after the lunch was distributed.
Local reports indicate that the school was closed for the day right after the meal was served. As the children began to head home, several of them started to experience stomach aches and vomiting.
In response to the alarming situation, the school headmaster quickly contacted an ambulance service (dial 108), and the affected children were promptly taken to Deoghar Sadar Hospital for medical attention.
The meal reportedly included dal, rice, and potato-gourd curry, with children exhibiting symptoms of food poisoning within an hour of consumption.
Dr. Prabhat Ranjan, Deputy Superintendent of Sadar Hospital, confirmed that all the children are now stable and under observation. He stated, "Their condition has improved significantly after treatment, and if there are no further complications, they will be discharged soon."
In a shocking revelation, villagers reported finding a dead lizard in the food served to the children. This discovery has raised serious concerns regarding the hygiene and quality control of the mid-day meal program.
Following the incident, a team from the health department visited the school to collect food samples. These samples have been sent to a laboratory for testing, and further actions will be determined based on the results.
This incident is not isolated in Jharkhand. Earlier in March, 16 children fell ill after a mid-day meal at a primary school in Nayagaon within West Singhbhum district, where a 6-year-old girl, Ayushi Gop, tragically died during treatment.
Furthermore, in September of the previous year, 40 children fell ill after consuming a mid-day meal in Mohanpur village under the Dumka district's Masalia block.
Point of View
It's imperative to highlight the urgent need for improved oversight of food safety in schools. This incident in Jharkhand reflects a broader issue that requires immediate attention to ensure the well-being of our children. The health department's swift response is commendable, but long-term solutions are essential to restore trust in the mid-day meal program.
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the Government Upgraded Middle School in Deoghar?
On May 15, 2023, 24 students fell ill after consuming a mid-day meal at the school, with reports indicating food contamination.
What food was served to the children?
The meal consisted of dal, rice, and potato-gourd curry.
What actions have been taken following the incident?
A health department team visited the school, collected food samples for testing, and the school was closed for the day.
Are the affected children recovering?
Yes, all children are reported to be stable and under observation, with improvements noted after treatment.
Has this type of incident happened before in Jharkhand?
Yes, similar incidents have occurred in the past, raising ongoing concerns about food safety in schools.
