More than 70 women inmates of Mumbai’s Byculla Arthur Road jail were admitted to state-run JJ Hospital after they fall ill on July 20 morning, complaining of nausea, vomiting and loose motion soon after having the breakfast. The preliminary report suggests that contaminated water could be the cause behind the illness.
Dr Sanjay Surase, Medical Superintendent of JJ Hospital, reportedly said that the prisoners were taken to hospital after they complained of vomiting and abdominal pain.
Hospital dean Mukund Tayade, confirmed that 78 patients were admitted to the hospital until noon and the number was expected to rise. He added that none of the patients were in serious condition. They were responding to treatment.
Rajvardhan Sinha, inspector general of police (prisons) said, “On Friday morning, several women prisoners complained of vomiting and abdominal pain. They were referred to JJ hospital, where they are under observation.” He added there are no complaints coming in from the male prisoners or the jail staff.
“Cleaning up of prison is underway and focus is to stabilise patients,” IG Sinha said.
Three days ago, a male prisoner was diagnosed with cholera in JJ Hospital. Following the diagnosis, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) gave a dose of prophylactic tablets to 600 prisoners in the jail and over 100 staff members to prevent further spread of cholera. The BMC maintains the medicines are routinely given during Monsoons and are not responsible for diarrhea.
Dr Wiqar Sheikh informed that prisoners will be kept under observation for at least for 48 hrs.
