Palghar School: Child's Death Sparks Health Crisis Fears

A 7-year-old boy, a student at the Maswan ashram school in Palghar, Maharashtra, has died following a high fever and breathing difficulties. The child initially developed a fever on August 22 and was treated at a local health center. When his fever returned, medical staff noted a drop in oxygen levels and transferred him to Manor Rural Hospital, where he was declared deceased. An exact cause of death awaits the post-mortem report.

Following this incident, 26 other students exhibiting mild symptoms of cold, cough, or fever were placed under medical observation. Their condition is reported as stable. Senior health and administrative officials visited the school, which accommodates 395 resident students, and a medical team conducted a thorough health screening. Campus sanitation and water purification measures are also being enhanced.

This event underscores a broader issue of student mortality in Maharashtra's residential schools. Reports indicate an average of nearly one student died daily over the past two years across state-run facilities. Causes ranged from snakebites and serious illnesses to accidents and suicides. In response to recent fatalities, the government is implementing corrective actions, including safety audits and license reviews for these institutions.