A health hazard originating from a nearby sub-health centre left eight students of a private school in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district sick on Monday. The children fell ill after allegedly inhaling toxic fumes that drifted into their school premises, reportedly from the burning of expired medicines.
Incident Details and Immediate Response
The alarming event occurred on Monday near PV-43 Jayashri Nagar, where the school is located. According to teachers on duty, fumes from the burning medical stock entered the classrooms, creating an immediate health crisis. Several children began complaining of symptoms including breathlessness, nausea, and dizziness.
As the condition of the students rapidly deteriorated, the school staff acted swiftly. They rushed all eight affected children to the Pakhanjur Civil Hospital for urgent medical attention. Hospital authorities confirmed that all admitted students are currently stated to be stable and their condition is out of danger, though continuous monitoring is ongoing.
Wider Impact and Community Concerns
The incident has raised significant alarm beyond the immediate victims. Reports indicate that some teachers and parents present at the school during the incident also experienced discomfort. This has led to concerns that the toxic fumes may have affected a larger number of people than initially identified.
In the wake of the event, parents and local residents have demanded an immediate and thorough inquiry. They are questioning whether proper safety and disposal protocols were followed by the sub-health centre staff while getting rid of the expired medicines. The community seeks accountability and assurances that such a dangerous lapse will not be repeated.
Ongoing Situation and Demands
While the eight students are now reported to be in stable condition, the incident has exposed a serious public health risk. The burning of medical waste, especially expired drugs, in proximity to educational institutions poses a direct threat to children's well-being. The demand for a probe focuses on the negligence involved in the disposal process and aims to ensure stricter adherence to guidelines in the future.
The authorities at Pakhanjur Civil Hospital remain vigilant, keeping the children under observation. The event in Kanker district underscores the critical need for safe medical waste management practices, particularly in areas close to schools and residential communities.
