A total of 39 children became unwell after eating kheer that was served as part of the mid-day meal at Bari Primary School located in Patlikuhal, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. The young students experienced symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and, in some instances, fever. Both the Health and Education Departments are currently investigating the situation.

As of now, 15 boys and girls have been discharged from medical care following treatment, while the condition of the remaining children is reported to be improving. Five children have been referred to the Regional Hospital in Kullu for further evaluation.

Details of the Meal

The school administration indicated that the kheer had been prepared at the request of the students on Tuesday. Approximately 43 children were present at the school on that day. A few hours after consuming the dessert, some children began to exhibit signs of illness, with others reportedly feeling unwell either on their way home or upon arriving home.

Concerns regarding their health prompted parents and community members to take the affected children to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Patlikuhal. According to Kullu Chief Medical Officer Dr Ranjeet Thakur, a total of 38 children were taken to the CHC. Of these, two were referred to the District Hospital in Kullu on the same day and an additional three children were referred the following day, thus raising the total number of referrals to five.

The symptoms displayed by the children indicated a potential case of food poisoning, although the precise cause will only be confirmed following investigations and laboratory testing.

Investigation and Sample Collection

In the wake of the incident, a team from the Health Department conducted a site visit to inspect the area where the mid-day meal was prepared. Samples of the rice and sugar used to create the kheer, alongside samples of water, were collected for analysis. Additionally, the Irrigation and Public Health (IPH) Department had previously obtained water samples for assessment.

Dhanu Devi, who is responsible for preparing the mid-day meals, stated that rice, milk, and sugar were utilised in the kheer. She explained that the rice was first cooked, followed by the addition of milk and sugar. The milk was sourced locally, while the water was drawn from the school tap. Devi also confirmed that both she and the teaching staff consumed the same kheer.

Community Reactions and Inquiry

Parents expressed their concerns, noting that their children were in good health until approximately 1 pm, when their conditions began to decline. One parent, Rajni, mentioned that some children started to vomit near the school entrance and collapsed on the road. Another parent, Pankaj, called for an unbiased inquiry, suggesting there could have been contamination in the milk, sugar, or other ingredients used in the kheer.

Local MLA Bhuvneshwar Gaur has assigned the investigation to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). He visited the hospital to meet with affected children and their families. The Education Department is reviewing every aspect of the mid-day meal preparation process. The administration indicated that appropriate action would be taken against any parties found to have been negligent.

The Health Department has formed a medical team that consists of doctors, health educators, Community Health Officers (CHO), health workers, and ASHA workers. Medicine stores have been set up in Bari and nearby areas to assist in the ongoing situation. Currently, the health of the affected children is reportedly improving as authorities await the results of the tests to ascertain the true cause of the illness.

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