Report

A Lucknow shelter home in Uttar Pradesh failed to ensure food safety and hygiene, leading to the deaths of four orphans with special needs from severe dehydration and diarrhea. For the second consecutive year, authorities hospitalized children from Nirvan Rajkiya Bal Grih Visheshikrit with similar symptoms, highlighting the ongoing risks of food and water contamination.

Recurring Food Safety Failures

Dr. Rajeev Dixit, Chief Medical Superintendent at Lok Bandhu Hospital, confirmed that 20 children from the shelter suffered from dehydration and diarrhea last year, though no fatalities were reported. This year, four children died at three different hospitals, intensifying scrutiny over the shelter’s food and water safety standards.

Poor Hygiene and Possible Water Contamination

Investigators suspect that contaminated drinking water may have played a role in the outbreak. Inspector Archana Singh, part of the probe team, confirmed that authorities tested and cleaned the water supply after the incident. However, the government boys’ shelter next door, which shares the same water source, has not reported any similar illnesses, indicating a need for further investigation into water storage and handling at the affected facility.

Allegations of Food Safety Violations

Officials also inspected the food provided at the shelter, verifying that all packaged products were within expiry dates. Despite this, questions remain about food storage, handling practices, and the quality of raw ingredients. Authorities have yet to determine whether foodborne pathogens or poor sanitation in food preparation contributed to the children’s deaths.

History of Negligence and Cover-Ups

Reports suggest that neglect at the shelter home is not new. A shelter worker, speaking anonymously, revealed that persistent sewage issues have been a long-standing concern, possibly contaminating the shelter’s food preparation and water supply. Additionally, in 2019, a child reportedly died after suffering burns from a heater, but authorities failed to report the case to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).

Ongoing Investigation and Need for Action

Doctors continue to monitor hospitalized children at Lok Bandhu Hospital, Balrampur Hospital, and King George’s Medical University. While some children have been discharged, health officials are conducting further tests to pinpoint the exact cause of illness. Authorities must now strengthen food safety measures, ensure proper hygiene in meal preparation, and address sanitation issues to prevent future tragedies.

Source: Hindustan Times