Vadodara: 130 MSU students hospitalised after suspected food poisoning; university terminates caterer's services
Shortly after midnight on Tuesday, a few hours after dinner at the Girl's Hostel Mess at Sarojini Devi Hall at MSU, students began complaining of severe stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhoea, sources said.
The first set of patients began arriving at the SSG Hospital around 1.45 am Wednesday and at least 20 students were admitted during the early hours. By mid-morning, 130 students were admitted, said Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Dr Hitendra Chauhan.
The University has terminated 'the hiring of catering services' from the caterers, citing negligence on the part of the agency concerned.
According to a statement from the hospital on Wednesday, 'All patients have been admitted to various medicine wards at SSG Hospital where immediate symptomatic and specific medication and intravenous fluid therapy was initiated as per patients' clinical conditions. As of now, a majority of the patients are in stable condition. However, a few students require monitoring and treatment. Necessary investigation (has begun)… stool samples have been sent for ascertaining the cause.'
By Wednesday evening, 27 students still remained admitted while others were either discharged by doctors or had taken Discharge Against Medical Advice (DAMA), said officials.
A statement from MSU on Wednesday, issued by Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Public Relations and Communication, Prof Hitesh Raviya, said, 'In context of the recent incident of mass food poisoning at Girls' Hostel Mess, the University has terminated the hiring of catering services from Shilpa Caterers due to the negligence on the part of the agency leading to severe health issues of the students in the University campus and also the concerned agency shall not be considered eligible in the University in future as well.'
The hospital statement, meanwhile, said, 'A detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the illness. Hospital authorities are closely coordinating with university officials and public health departments to ensure that appropriate containment and preventive measures are in place.'
Sources told The Indian Express that primarily, the cause of the suspected food poisoning could be the milk-based items consumed by students during dinner.
No complaint has been filed in the matter yet.
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