Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], June 5 (HBTV): In the wake of over 90 patients falling ill due to suspected food poisoning at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) in Erragadda, Hyderabad, the Telangana government has terminated the hospital’s diet contract.

On Tuesday morning, one patient died and 92 others were affected due to suspected food poisoning. Of the affected, 18 patients were shifted to Osmania General Hospital for advanced care, according to the Superintendent of IMH.

The Superintendent issued an order terminating the services of diet contractor G Jaipal Reddy, citing ‘gross negligence’ and a ‘serious breach of contract’. Authorities said the incident occurred on June 2 after patients consumed contaminated food, leading to multiple cases of acute gastroenteritis.

Hyderabad District Collector Anudeep Durishetty reported an outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting at the institute, with 15 cases initially reported on Tuesday morning. One patient, Karan, who had been admitted for mental health issues, collapsed and passed away despite CPR efforts. By evening, 60–70 more patients reported similar symptoms and were kept under observation and given treatment.

Durishetty said on Wednesday, ‘Yesterday, early morning, 15 cases of diarrhoea and vomiting were reported in the mental health institute. Our health department provided treatment to those patients. Another patient, named Karan, was admitted for mental issues, and our doctors observed him falling down. They administered CPR, but unfortunately, he didn’t respond and was shifted to the hospital, where he lost his life. We have put all the patients under observation. By evening, we received 60–70 more patients reporting vomiting and diarrhoea, and we are providing treatment to them.’

Telangana Medical and Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha visited the victims at the Erragadda Mental Health Centre and expressed grief over the incident.

In a post on X, the Minister confirmed that steps were being taken to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. He directed officials to terminate the hospital’s diet contractor and ensure improved treatment for the affected patients. The Minister added that all those who fell ill were in stable condition.

The post read: ‘State Medical and Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha visited the victims who fell ill at the Erragadda Mental Health Centre in Hyderabad. The Minister expressed grief over the incident. The Minister revealed that steps are being taken to prevent such incidents from recurring. The Minister instructed the officials to remove the hospital diet contractor. He said that the victims are being provided with better treatment. He said that the health condition of all those who fell ill are stable.’

(ANI)