Palghar: A six year old boy has died after falling seriously ill at an ashram school in Palghar, Maharashtra, while 26 other students from the same school are being kept under medical observation. The incident has raised serious questions about the health facilities and basic arrangements available at tribal residential schools.
The boy, a Class 1 student at the Maswan ashram school, had reportedly been suffering from fever for two days. His condition worsened suddenly, and he developed breathing difficulties while being taken for medical treatment. He died on the way to the hospital. The exact cause of death is expected to be confirmed through the post mortem examination.
What has caused further concern is the allegation made by the child’s father. According to him, the school did not directly inform the family about his son’s death. The family reportedly came to know about the tragedy after another student contacted them.
Following the incident, health and administrative officials visited the school and the Maswan Primary Health Centre. The school has 449 students, of whom 395 live on the campus. Twenty six students who complained of symptoms such as fever, cough and cold were taken to the health centre and placed under observation. Officials said their condition was stable.
The inspection also brought attention to problems with drinking water and other basic facilities at the school. Authorities have since started health screenings for students and taken steps relating to sanitation and water purification on the campus.
The death has added to concerns over the safety and living conditions in Maharashtra’s ashram schools. Earlier this month, three tribal girls died following suspected snakebites at a residential school in Gadchiroli, prompting the state government to announce safety audits of such institutions.
The wider numbers are also worrying. Officials have said that 584 students died in Maharashtra’s state run and government aided residential facilities over the past two years. Reported causes included illnesses, snakebites, accidents, sickle cell disease and suicides.
For the family of the Palghar child, however, the immediate concern goes beyond the official numbers. Questions remain over whether the child’s deteriorating condition was handled quickly enough and why, according to his father, the family was not informed about his death.
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