Bangalore: In Gopahalli village, Karnataka, as many as 35 students have fallen ill after consuming milk served under ‘Ksheera Bhagya’ initiative of the state. Some were treated as outpatients at the Primary Health Centre, while others were admitted to the district hospital in Ramanagaram after they complained of stomach pain.
The milk powder, which was used to prepare the milk under the scheme, was manufactured and supplied in February 2016, Suresh, former gram panchayat member said. As it was almost six months old, some parents, locals and Mr. Suresh alleged that it was “outdated”. When the teachers prepared the milk and served it to the children, they began complaining of stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Department of Health and Family Welfare officials said “The condition of all the students is stable.” At least eight ambulances were pressed into service to shift the children to hospital, but according to parents, there wasn’t sufficient staff and facilities to treat the children.