TV
Two students of Kolaganda Ashram Vidyalaya in Malkangiri district have reportedly died of illness within a span of three days triggering a grave concern among the parents and guardians.
At least 12 other sick students are undergoing treatment at the district headquarters hospital.
According to sources, the students have been suffering from fever and later complaining of stomach upset for last seven days. A Class 7 student died two days back while a Class 8 student died on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the parents of the deceased students alleged medical negligence on part of school authorities. The conditions of 12 students are stated to be critical. They accused the authorities of admitting the students to hospital after their condition deteriorated.
“Had the school authorities taken the students to hospital on time, the lives of two students could have been saved,” said the parents who demanded deployment of a special doctors’ team for taking stock of the situation.
A student said, “Our legs started swelling after taking bath in ashram school. We have been suffering from body ache for last several days. Two inmates of the ashram died recently. This incident has panicked us.”
The father of an ailing student said, “My son has been down with fever for last seven days. Yesterday he was admitted to hospital. The authorities should not take the issue lightly.”
The headmistress of the school said, “Students were initially admitted to Padia Hospital which referred them to District Headquarters Hospital after their condition worsened. One student died at home while another one died at the school.”
A doctor treating students at Malkangiri Headquarters Hospital said, “Around 12 students were brought here. They were suffering from cold, cough, fever and stomach pain. All of them are stable now.”
It is learnt that a student of Pandripani Ashram School had died some days back.
