Andhra Pradesh Minister Orders Tight Health Oversight After Diarrhoea at BC Hostel

Andhra Pradesh BC and EWS Welfare Minister S Savitha on Friday directed a state-wide review of student health and safety protocols following reports of diarrhoea among residents of a BC hostel in Rella Veedhi, Srikakulam district.

In a statement, the minister called on officials and hostel staff to remain vigilant about the health of students, especially given fluctuating weather patterns and ongoing public examinations. She emphasised that authorities must treat students’ well-being as their foremost responsibility and act promptly on any sign of illness.

Savitha insisted on frequent medical camps at BC hostels and gurukulams across the state and ordered that affected students be moved immediately to nearby government hospitals for proper care. She also prohibited outside food in hostel premises and warned that lapses in health safeguards would attract strict administrative action.

Officials told the minister that all affected students have recovered or are stable. Savitha reviewed the situation on the ground in Srikakulam, holding discussions with district welfare and health officers and instructing closer monitoring of remaining students. She stressed that hostels must ensure only freshly prepared meals and boiled, cooled drinking water are provided and that any stagnant water around premises be removed to reduce health risks.

Health authorities in the region have been dealing with broader concerns over waterborne illnesses in recent days, with outbreaks reported in parts of the state.