Source NDTV
VIJAYAWADA — A routine health initiative took a tragic turn in Andhra Pradesh this week, resulting in the death of a young student and leaving over 50 others hospitalized after they consumed anti-malaria tablets distributed at their educational institution.
The incident occurred following a preventive health drive aimed at curbing vector-borne diseases in the region. According to preliminary reports, shortly after the students were administered the prophylactic anti-malaria medication, several began complaining of severe adverse symptoms, including acute nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and stomach pain.
Panic spread through the campus as the situation rapidly escalated. School authorities and local residents rushed the affected students to nearby primary health centers and district hospitals. Despite the urgent medical intervention, one student succumbed to suspected severe drug toxicity.
Medical officials have confirmed that more than 50 students are currently undergoing treatment across various local hospitals. “The majority of the admitted students are responding well to treatment and are currently in stable condition. However, a few remain under close observation to monitor any lingering complications,” a senior district health official stated.
The tragic death and sudden mass illness have sparked outrage and deep concern among parents and local communities. In response, the district administration has immediately suspended the distribution of the anti-malaria tablets and seized the remaining stock from the school premises.
The state’s health department has launched a high-level inquiry into the incident. Medical teams have collected samples of the administered medication, which are being sent to state forensic and pharmacological laboratories to determine if the batch was expired, contaminated, or improperly dosed. Authorities are also investigating whether the pills were administered on empty stomachs, which can sometimes exacerbate severe side effects.
State officials have expressed their condolences to the grieving family and assured the public of strict action. The government has directed local health authorities to provide the highest standard of free medical care to all hospitalized students while the investigation continues.
Further updates are awaited as the medical probe into the exact cause of the fatal reaction unfolds.
