Suspected Food Poisoning Affects 70 Patients at Hyderabad Hospital

On 4th June 2025, approximately 70 patients at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) in Erragadda, Hyderabad, reported symptoms similar to food poisoning including vomiting and diarrhea. This incident has prompted a comprehensive investigation by health authorities to determine the cause and prevent future occurrences.

The affected patients began exhibiting symptoms on Monday afternoon after consuming meals provided by the hospital. Two patients, identified as T. Satish (18) and D. Karan Reddy (35), experienced severe diarrhea and were transferred to Osmania General Hospital for advanced care. Medical staff have since reported that both individuals are in stable condition.

Amidst concerns, one patient, a 33-year-old male named Karan, passed away early Tuesday morning. Hospital officials have clarified that his death resulted from cardiac arrest and was unrelated to the suspected food poisoning incident. Karan had been admitted to IMH in August 2023 following a referral from a magistrate in Bhupalpally. The Borabanda police have registered a case under Section 174 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.

In response to the outbreak, the hospital administration has dispatched stool and vomit samples from the affected patients to the Institute of Preventive Medicine for microbiological analysis. These tests aim to identify potential contaminants in the food or water supplied to the patients. Hospital Superintendent Anita Rayirala stated, "All patients were promptly examined and given adequate hydration based on clinical assessment. No severe complication was noted. We are still probing to ascertain if it is because of food poisoning."

The incident has garnered attention from senior health officials. Hyderabad Collector Anudeep Durishetty and Director of Medical ... Narendra Kumar visited IMH to assess the situation firsthand. Additionally, Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha has ordered an official inquiry into the matter to ensure accountability and implement corrective measures.

This event is part of a concerning trend of food poisoning cases in Hyderabad. In a separate incident in October 2024, a 33-year-old woman died, and 20 others fell ill after consuming momos from a street vendor in the Banjara Hills area. Such incidents highlight the pressing need for stringent food safety protocols, especially within institutional settings.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sakshi Thakar/MSM)