Assam: Over 50 children hospitalised after falling ill at Doboka Shelter Home

Guwahati: In an unfortunate incident, more than 50 children living in a temporary shelter house in Doboka of Assam became critically ill on Wednesday.

Initial reports state that the children who are residents of the shelter house suddenly became ill. Among individuals who reported being ill, nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, and vomiting were common symptoms.

According to information received, all of the sick Childrens range in age from 1.5 to 6 years old. Emergency services were called in after the symptoms began to show.

As many as four ambulances arrived at the scene quickly and took the students to a nearby hospital. They were taken to hospital under the supervision of All Assam Minority Students’ Union (AAMSU) Hojai district unit.

However, the exact cause why so many children became ill so rapidly is yet known. However, it is speculated that their illness may have been caused by the extreme heat along with the fact that the shelter dwellings were constructed of tarpaulin, which traps heat.

A doctor at the hospital speaking to us said, “Around 50 children have been admitted here and most of them are showing symptoms of cough, cold and fever. Some of them also have measles. We are taking care of them and have given them the necessary medications.”

“We have also prescribed additional medicines. As per initial examination, it looks like they are all suffering from dehydration. For that, we have given them oral rehydration solutions. Further treatment is underway and we hope they will get better soon,” added the doctor.

In addition, a spokesperson for AAMSU said, “We received information that these small children were suffering and we reached there immediately. We made the necessary arrangements for ambulances to bring them to the hospital.”

He said, “These children were part of families who were evicted inhumanly from their homes and were given temporary shelter in these tarpaulin made camps. They have been staying there for the past two years and catch such diseases from time to time.”

“These small children have not done anything wrong to the government. They should not be on the receiving end of such suffering. I urge the government to ensure that basic medical facilities among others are provided to people who are evicted,” added the AAMSU spokesperson.