Discharged from hospital, many scarred kids from the Ekta Sarvajanik Mitra Mandal have decided to stay away from colours in future
The memories of the harrowing Holi have left indelible stains on their mind. Kids from the Ekta Sarvajanik Mitra Mandal, who were poisoned by a toxic chemical present in their holi colour, have vowed never to touch the dreaded gulaal again.
After starting to experience the alarming symptoms of dizziness, nausea, vomiting, the children were admitted at Sion hospital on Thursday. Mitra Mandal, which accommodates five chawls, was the worst affected in the tragedy.
Sion Hospital has discharged 190 of the 210-odd patients who were admitted to the hospital. Thirteen-year-old Prathamesh Chavan, who was discharged last evening, said, “I will never play Holi again after this year’s horrible experience.” Siblings Krutika (15), Pooja (12) and Shubham Pote (13), all discharged now, have made a similar pledge.
Another victim Jyoti Kale (13) said, “The happy occasion of Holi turned into a nightmare for me. I will not play Holi next year.” Joining the terrified chorus, Snehal Sajjan (13) said, “The symptoms were so terrifying. I will never play Holi again.”
Deputy Dean Rakesh Verma of Sion Hospital said, “A three-year-old girl by the name of Renuka Mhatre has been kept under observation, as she is experiencing convulsions following the colour poisoning.
For the discharged patients, we have prescribed some medicines and have asked them to report for a thorough follow-up if the symptoms return.”
Dr Sandhya Kamath, dean at Sion Hospital, said, “Out of the 20 admitted patients, 19 are stable and in the general ward. One adult patient is in the ICU. Every year we treat about 7-8 victims patients of colour poisoining, but this year the turnout has been unexpectedly massive.”
Courtesy: Mid-day