Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
Patna, May 7: A major health emergency was reported in Saharsa on Thursday after more than 250 students allegedly fell sick following the consumption of a mid-day meal at a government school in the Mahishi block area.
The incident occurred at the Government Middle School in Baluaha, where students reportedly began experiencing stomach pain, vomiting, dizziness, and discomfort shortly after eating lunch served on the school premises.
The sudden illness among hundreds of children triggered panic among teachers, parents, and local residents, leading to an urgent medical response.
All affected students were rushed to the Mahishi Health Centre, where doctors and healthcare workers immediately began treatment. The large number of children arriving simultaneously caused heavy crowding at the facility as medical teams worked continuously to stabilise the students.
According to students, the school had served rice and lentils as part of the mid-day meal around 10 a.m. Several children reported falling ill soon after eating the food.
Following the incident, officials from the district administration and the Health Department reached the area to assess the situation. Civil Surgeon Rajnarayan Prasad and other health officials visited the health centre to supervise treatment arrangements.
Authorities stated that the condition of most students is stable and under control, while urging parents not to panic. However, students showing more serious symptoms were referred to Saharsa Sadar Hospital for advanced medical care.
The incident has sparked widespread concern among parents and local residents regarding the quality and safety of food being served under the school mid-day meal programme.
Officials have launched an investigation into the matter, and food samples from the meal are being sent for laboratory testing to determine the exact cause of the suspected food poisoning.
Health officials confirmed that all affected children are currently out of danger, though the episode has once again raised serious questions about food safety standards in school meal schemes.