Over 100 Students Hospitalised in Uttar Pradesh After Taking Deworming Tablets

Uttar Pradesh: More than 100 school students were hospitalised in Uttar Pradesh after they reportedly fell ill shortly after consuming deworming tablets distributed as part of a government health programme. The incident triggered panic among parents and prompted authorities to launch an immediate inquiry.

According to officials, the children were administered Albendazole tablets during a routine deworming drive conducted in schools. Soon after consuming the medication, several students began complaining of headache, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting, leading teachers to alert health authorities.

Ambulances were rushed to the schools, and the affected children were shifted to nearby government hospitals and community health centres for treatment. Doctors said most students were in stable condition and were kept under observation as a precautionary measure. Preliminary reports suggest that the symptoms may have been mild adverse reactions or anxiety-related responses, but a detailed medical evaluation is underway.

District officials stated that a team from the health department has collected samples of the tablets for quality testing to rule out contamination or improper storage. The batch details are being verified, and distribution has been temporarily halted in the affected area until the investigation is complete.

The deworming programme, typically conducted under national health initiatives, aims to protect children from intestinal worm infections that can cause malnutrition and anaemia. Health experts note that Albendazole is widely used and generally considered safe, though minor side effects such as nausea or headache can occur in some cases.

Local authorities have assured parents that the situation is under control and that strict action will be taken if any negligence is found. Education and health department officials are jointly monitoring the recovery of the students and reviewing safety protocols to prevent similar incidents.

Further updates are expected once laboratory reports and the official inquiry findings are released.