19 Students Hospitalised in Maharashtra After Overdosing on Iron Tablets
In a concerning incident in Maharashtra's Chandrapur district, nineteen students from a Zilla Parishad (ZP) school were rushed to the hospital after allegedly consuming an excessive number of anti-anaemia (iron) tablets without proper supervision. The event unfolded in Bhamdeli village, highlighting potential lapses in health protocols at educational institutions.
Details of the Incident
According to officials, the students were part of a routine programme where iron tablets are administered every Monday to combat anaemia. However, on Tuesday, when teachers were absent, some pupils reportedly took additional tablets beyond the prescribed dosage. By Wednesday night, all nineteen affected students began experiencing severe symptoms, including nausea and dizziness, prompting immediate medical attention.
District Health Officer Ashok Katare confirmed that the students were admitted to Chandrapur District Hospital for treatment. Medical assessments revealed that sixteen of the students are now in stable condition, while three remain under close observation by doctors to monitor their recovery.
Official Response and Inquiry
In response to the incident, ZP Chief Executive Officer Pulkit Singh has ordered a high-level inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the overdose. The probe aims to determine how the students accessed the extra tablets and identify any systemic failures in supervision or safety measures at the school.
This incident raises critical questions about the implementation of health initiatives in rural schools, emphasising the need for stricter oversight during medication distribution. Authorities are urging schools across the region to review their protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The community in Chandrapur has expressed concern over the students' well-being, with local leaders calling for enhanced training for staff and better communication with parents regarding health programmes. As the inquiry progresses, officials assure that corrective actions will be taken to safeguard student health.
