19 Maharashtra School Students Hospitalised After Suspected Iron Tablet Overdose in Chandrapur District

Nineteen students from a Zilla Parishad school were hospitalised in Maharashtra after reportedly consuming too many iron tablets without supervision.

Pune | 14 February, 2026- In a worrying incident in Maharashtra, nineteen school students were hospitalised after reportedly consuming an excessive number of iron tablets at a government-run school in Bhamdeli, located in the Bhadravati tehsil of Chandrapur district. The students, all enrolled in a Zilla Parishad school, allegedly ingested more than the prescribed dosage of iron supplements that are routinely distributed under a state health initiative aimed at preventing anaemia among children.

According to preliminary information from local authorities, iron tablets are typically administered once a week as part of a supervised programme designed to address nutritional deficiencies in rural and semi-urban areas. However, on this occasion, it is suspected that a lack of adequate supervision allowed several students to access additional tablets. Reports suggest that teachers were either not present or not directly overseeing the distribution at the time the students consumed the supplements.

The situation came to light when multiple children began experiencing symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, abdominal discomfort, and general weakness later that evening. Alarmed by the sudden onset of illness among several pupils, school authorities immediately contacted health officials. Ambulances were dispatched, and all affected students were shifted to the district hospital for observation and treatment.

Medical officials confirmed that while the students showed signs consistent with mild iron overdose, most were stable and responding well to treatment. Out of the 19 children admitted, 16 were reported to be in stable condition within hours of receiving medical attention, while three remained under close monitoring as a precautionary measure. Doctors indicated that timely hospitalisation and supportive care played a key role in preventing serious complications.

Iron supplements are generally safe when taken in recommended doses, particularly under medical supervision. They are widely used in school health programmes across India to combat anaemia, a condition that remains prevalent among children and adolescents. However, excessive intake can lead to gastrointestinal distress and, in severe cases, toxicity. Health experts emphasize that proper storage, strict dosage control, and continuous supervision are essential when administering any medication to children.

Following the incident, district education and health authorities have ordered a formal inquiry to determine how the students were able to access and consume more tablets than intended. The investigation will examine supervision protocols, storage practices for health supplements, and adherence to standard operating procedures during distribution. Officials have indicated that accountability will be fixed if any lapses are found.

The episode has sparked concern among parents and community members, raising broader questions about safety mechanisms in school-based health initiatives. While such programmes are critical for improving child nutrition and preventing anaemia, the incident underscores the importance of careful implementation. Administrators are now considering measures such as enhanced staff training, stricter inventory control of medicines, and improved communication with students regarding dosage and risks.

Parents of the affected students have expressed relief that there were no severe or life-threatening outcomes. Many have urged authorities to strengthen oversight to ensure that such incidents do not recur. Meanwhile, health officials continue to monitor the children’s recovery and are expected to issue recommendations after the inquiry concludes.

Follow us On Our Social media Handles :
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
Twitter

Also Read- Pune