Female doctor checking patients pulse in hospital
Madurai (Tamil Nadu) [US], June 11 (ANI): At least 85 individuals were hospitalized on Wednesday after reportedly consuming contaminated food during a temple festival in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district.
According to the Dean of Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai, the patients were admitted due to suspected food poisoning. The Dean confirmed that all the affected individuals are currently in stable condition.
“A few others have also been admitted to various hospitals in Virudhunagar. Health authorities are actively investigating the incident,” the Dean said.
The case follows a similar recent incident in Hyderabad, where over 90 patients fell ill due to food poisoning at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) in Erragadda. The Telangana government responded swiftly by terminating the hospital’s diet contract.
The IMH Superintendent issued an order removing diet contractor G. Jaipal Reddy for “gross negligence” and a “serious breach of contract.” The contamination occurred on June 2, leading to acute gastroenteritis cases, authorities reported.
Hyderabad District Collector Anudeep Durishetty noted that the first 15 cases were reported on the morning of June 3. One patient, Karan, who had been admitted for mental health issues, collapsed and died despite CPR efforts. By evening, an additional 60 to 70 patients exhibited similar symptoms and were placed under observation.
Telangana Medical and Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha visited the affected patients at the mental health center, expressing sorrow over the incident. In a post on X, he confirmed that actions are being taken to prevent future occurrences, including the termination of the hospital’s diet contractor. The minister added that the victims are receiving improved medical care and that all are currently stable.
(ANI)
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