Jharkhand: 74 KGBA Vidyalaya girls fall sick in Garhwa, prompt medical response ensures full recovery

Daltonganj, June 27: A prompt and coordinated medical response helped avert a major health crisis after 74 girls of the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBA) at Kharoundhi in Jharkhand’s Garhwa district fell ill with similar symptoms, including vomiting, giddiness, loose motion and dehydration.

According to sources, Garhwa Deputy Commissioner P. N. Mishra alerted Civil Surgeon Dr John F. Kennedy at around 9 pm, following which the district health machinery was immediately mobilised.

Around 400 saline bottles used to treat affected students

On the instructions of the Civil Surgeon, the affected students were administered normal saline drips. Around 400 bottles of saline were used to treat dehydration and the associated symptoms, Dr Kennedy said.

“None of the girls complained about the food. However, all of them mentioned the drinking water. They said they had consumed water from the overhead tank, and it was hot,” Dr Kennedy said.

Hospital kept on standby as precautionary measure

Dr Kennedy said the Sub-Divisional Hospital at Nagar Untari was kept on standby as a backup in case additional medical support became necessary.

“It is a great relief that our Bhavnathpur Health Facility Centre acted promptly and managed the cases very appropriately. I kept monitoring the treatment and briefing the Deputy Commissioner at regular intervals,” he said.

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Food Safety Officer asked to examine food and water

Sources said the Garhwa Deputy Commissioner has deputed the Food Safety Officer to the KGBA Vidyalaya at Kharoundhi to inspect the food and drinking water and ascertain the cause of the incident.

All 74 girls have since been discharged and returned home, sources added. The remaining resident students have been advised to be cautious about the food and drinking water they consume and to take necessary precautions to safeguard their health.

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