Maharashtra: 400 People Fall Sick After Consuming Prasad; Treated On Roads Due To Shortage Of Beds In Hospital

A shocking video from Maharashtra is doing round the internet showing more than 400 people being treated on roads outside a hospital. The viral video shows saline bottles hung with a rope and patients lying on roads. According to the reports, people in a huge number including women and children fell ill after consuming 'prasad' during a religious event in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra.

Talking to the media, Buldhana district collector Kiran Patil said the unfortunate incident happened on Tuesday during the conclusion celebrations of 'Harinam Saptah' in Lonar's Somthana village. The reports said that devotees complained of sudden stomach ache, vomiting, and diarrhea.

All sick people were rushed to a nearby hospital. However, a sudden spike in the number of patients exposed the capacity and arrangements of the city hospital. Patients were treated on roads as there was a shortage of beds.

"It was the sixth day of the religious program in Somthana. 'Prasad' was distributed as it was 'Ekadashi' (eleventh day) among 400 to 500 people. Several people complained of food poisoning and are being treated now," a local said.

However, the hard work of doctors and hospital staff was fruitful as all patients are now safe and in stable condition.

Taking cognizance of the incident, the district administration ordered a probe to find the reason behind the incident. District collector said, "Samples of 'prasad' have been sent to a laboratory for analysis and an inquiry will be initiated."

The authorities suspect mass food poisoning cases due to bad quality of material used in the preparation of prasad.

After the shocking incident, social media users criticised the state government for not providing proper medical equipment and necessary arrangements in the district hospital. A social media user said this is the reality of New India. Many netizens urged the state government to face the reality and update hospitals to avoid such shameful incidents in the future.